National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has been an inspiring week of recognition across the iDESo Group. This annual celebration highlights the commitment, ambition, and achievements of the apprentices who are shaping the future of our industry. With the national theme centred on Skills for Life, our apprentices at Allenwest and Baldwin & Francis,  has demonstrated exactly what this means, bringing energy, new ideas, and a passion for engineering into every part of our business.

Throughout the week, we shared the journeys of our apprentices and highlighted the strong mentorship culture supporting them. Their experiences reflect how National Apprenticeship Week 2026 is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of the long-term impact apprenticeships have on engineering capability, personal growth, and industry progression.

Leadership Insights: The Value of Apprenticeships

Allenwest Operations Manager –  Blair Stephenson
“Our apprentices bring energy, dedication, and a willingness to learn that elevates the whole team. Investing in their development isn’t just about filling skills gaps, it’s about building the future of Allenwest and ensuring our engineering excellence continues for decades to come.”

Baldwin & Francis Operations Manager – Anthony Pye
“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our long term talent strategy. The commitment and enthusiasm our apprentices show every day strengthens our culture, enhances our capability, and ensures vital engineering skills are passed to the next generation.”

“Jay is in the final stages of his apprenticeship and has shown real dedication throughout. His attention to detail and listening skills, are a credit to his development. The AM2 is a demanding assessment, and we’re confident he’ll excel because he approaches every task with professionalism and a desire to get things right the first time.”

These insights reflect how National Apprenticeship Week 2026 reinforces our belief that apprenticeships are essential to the future of our Group and the industries we support.

Apprentice Spotlights Across the Week

Jay Vaughan – Electrical Installation Apprentice, Baldwin & Francis
Jay’s confidence and technical skills have grown significantly as he prepares for his AM2 assessment.
“You learn real skills from day one, it’s a strong foundation for your future career.”

Marcus Ahrens – Electrical Engineering Apprentice, Allenwest
Marcus is developing key skills in wiring, electrical drawings, and teamwork.
“Pick an apprenticeship you enjoy.”

Robert McCurdie – Electrical Engineering Apprentice, Allenwest
Robert is thriving through sub assembly work, task planning, and communication skills.
“If you’re interested in the field, go for it and see where it can take you.”

James McKay – Engineering Apprentice, Allenwest
James is progressing through hands on experience and additional certifications including auditing and crane operation.
“If you’re considering an apprenticeship, go for it. It opens doors to opportunities you might not expect.”

Josh Riley – Maintenance & Operations Technician Apprentice, Baldwin & Francis
Josh is strengthening his technical skills in wiring, fault finding, and safe tool use.
“Go for it, it’s the best way to gain real experience and start a career in engineering.”

Luke Mathieson – Engineering Apprentice, Allenwest
Luke enjoys combining college learning with practical factory experience.
“Go for it. Dive straight in. It’s a great opportunity to learn, grow, and build real‑world skills at the same time.”

Why Apprenticeships Matter to the iDESo Group

• Developing Future Talent
• Apprenticeships help us grow engineers who understand our products, sectors, and values from day one.
• Supporting Innovation
• Apprentices bring fresh perspectives that spark improvement across our teams.
• Creating Career Pathways
• Many of our senior engineers and leaders began their careers as apprentices.
• Strengthening Group Culture
• Mentorship, teamwork, and learning thrive when apprentices are part of the business

During National Apprenticeship Week 2026, these values become more visible than ever, showcasing why apprenticeships remain a vital part of our long-term strategy.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has highlighted the exceptional talent within our Group, and we’re excited to see what our apprentices achieve next.