As it’s National Apprenticeship Week, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to look back at those who have previously completed the scheme and what they’re doing now. We thought we’d look specifically at those who have actually stayed within the company and how their careers have progressed as a result.

Since 2011, WL has overseen a total of over 60 technical apprenticeships. Dan Goodwin was part of the first-ever intake over a decade ago. Today, he still works at WL in the role of WL Venue Logistics Supervisor. He explains: “After finishing my studies, I spent around three years freelancing, which mainly involved lighting touring shows. And whilst I picked up a lot of ‘on the job’ skills, there was very little theory so my technical knowledge was limited. As a result, I undertook a WL Technical Apprenticeship where I was able to work within the majority of departments, such as rigging and moving lights. After my apprenticeship, I worked as a WL Demo Technician before moving onto WL Hire Contracts Administrator, WL Hire Co-ordinator before arriving at my current role as WL Venue Logistics Supervisor. My job now is to continuously improve and streamline the various request formats and procedures that come through our range of Managed Venues and it’s something I really enjoy”.

Following Dan as part of the second intake of apprentices was Luke McCreary, who is now Head of Systems and Control Workshop. He explains: “When I first arrived at WL, the scheme was fairly new and still finding its feet – a bit like me! I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I first started and could not have imagined being the head of a department like I am now. What I liked most about the apprenticeship was how friendly and approachable everyone was and how they encouraged you to pursue paths that were built to your strengths”.

Luke (far right) was part of the second WL Apprentice cohort

Another former apprentice still working for WL is George Thruston. George is now a Project Manager and works across a range of projects, with a large focus on broadcast. He comments: “When I first joined WL as an apprentice, it opened up a world to me I didn’t really know existed. I remember going to work on the Warner Bros World overnight and seeing how the magic was literally brought to life and just being amazed by it. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to continue working on some great jobs, including the Six Nations rugby, the Champions League, the EUROs as well as the Covent Garden Christmas Tree lights. Every single day is different but exciting and that’s what I really love about my role”.

It’s not just technical apprenticeships that WL offers. WL has also overseen Business Administration Apprenticeships, to train and develop individual’s skills within the marketing and business support departments, as well as gain insight and experience in related finance areas. One of the past participants includes Ellie Richards, who now works at WL as a Finance Assistant. Ellie comments: “I applied for the WL apprenticeship scheme as I really wanted to build a career for myself and thought learning alongside working would be the perfect way to achieve this. I also wanted to use the various learning resources and wide opportunities that were available on the programme to then narrow down what it was I really wanted to do.

She continues: “I gained a lot of skills and experience during my time as an apprentice. Whether that’s team leadership, delegations, IT skills, or confidence when dealing with customers and colleagues, these are all essential attributes that have proved vital in my current role. I am now a member of the Finance Team which I am enjoying and hope to continue further studies within this area. WL also has a huge sense of community and everyone is always willing to help and support each other which I believe is hugely important to any organisation”.

Zach (front row, second from left) and George (back row, second from left) during their time as apprentices

Similarly, making some noise (literally) within the EVA department is Zach Patel, a former apprentice now working as an Audio Technician. He explains: “WL is very local to me and felt like the perfect place for me to start my technical career, as an apprentice. I learned so much during my time on the scheme and feel it’s a marker of its success that myself, and so many others, have stayed within the company and managed to progress as a result”.

WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls, who oversees the apprenticeship scheme, concludes: “We are extremely proud of our past apprentices who have all excelled and are now pursuing their own exciting careers which play to the strengths and skills they developed during their time here. At WL, we genuinely do see ourselves as a family business and the fact that so many who come here as apprentices feel an immediate part of this, so much so that they want to stay, is a real credit to the company and everyone in it”.

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