Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week: Over 100 in attendance at Apprenticeship Taster Event
- gabriela42639
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 10
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week (10th-14th February 2025), Matthews and Tannert Limited teamed up with Ongo Recruitment and North Lindsey College to provide a unique opportunity for local people to showcase their talents while learning from industry professionals.
The week-long event, hosted at Train Talent Limited, an adult education centre providing industry training, offered an immersive experience where participants could explore the trade industry hands-on, and learn more about the work we do at Matthews and Tannert Limited. Each day was dedicated to a different trade, including plastering, electrics, joinery, plumbing, and heating, with sessions designed to combine both theoretical demonstrations and practical activities.
Day 1: Plastering
We kicked off the event with a focus on plastering. Our fantastic plaster Richard King and his apprentice, Ben Holmes, led a step-by-step demonstration of the plastering process, showcasing the techniques required to achieve a smooth and professional finish. Their tips and practical insights were invaluable to those who attended the demonstration, taking the time to ask questions about their day-to-day life as plasterers and their journey into the trade.
Day 2: Electricals
Day two shifted to electrical work. Our apprentice electrician, Lexi Stout, alongside Electrical Manager, Simon Woodward, demonstrated the process of trunking. Ongo facilitated an interactive activity where participants could wire a consumer unit and light switches, allowing them to apply their learning in a practical setting.
Day 3: Plumbing and Heating
The plumbing and heating session, one of the most popular, was led by our newly qualified Gas Engineer, Kier McGinley. He demonstrated the process of installing a bath and wash hand basin, along with the first fix for a kitchen. Ongo and North Lindsey College organized a fun and challenging pipe bending competition, where attendees tested their skills. A selected few were challenges to the difficult task of mounting a wash hand basin, to which they rose to the challenge and impressed the Company Directors at Matthews and Tannert.
Day 4: Joinery
Our final day focused on joinery. The demonstration, led by Jack Townsend and his apprentice, William Poole, was particularly special. Jack, who was part of our first Apprenticeship Taster Week back in 2015, now serves as a mentor to William, passing on his skills to the next generation of tradespeople. It was inspiring and rewarding to observe Jack, who once benefited from the opportunities of our initial Apprenticeship Week, now paying it forward by helping other young people take their first steps into the industry. Alongside this, on the activities section ran by North Lindsey College, attendees also fitted a base unit and a skirting board.
Scouting Talent and Interviews
Throughout the week, we had the chance to scout for talented individuals across all trades. On Friday, Matthews and Tannert Limited hosted interviews for 25 standout participants who were personally invited by our Directors at Ongo Recruitment’s Head Office. The week culminated in a successful recruitment process, leading to five new apprentices joining our team in early March:
Calvin Ward – Apprentice Plasterer
Ryan Najmadeen – Apprentice Electrician
Deimantas Sinknonis – Apprentice Plumber
Hayden Lingard-Andrew – Apprentice Plumber
Edward Ferguson – Apprentice Joiner
Thank You
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Apprenticeship Taster Week, to Ongo Recruitment and North Lindsey College for their invaluable support, and Train Talent for hosting us at their facilities. This support made this event a tremendous success, and we look forward to continuing working to inspire and develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople in the future.
