National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Learning the Trade, Building the Future

At FAUN Zoeller UK and FAUN Zoeller Fleet Services, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we don’t just recruit talent, we invest in it, supporting skills, confidence, and long-term careers from day one.

This National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we’re proud to spotlight three members of our team who are building their futures through apprenticeships: Luke, Logan, and Matthew. Their experiences highlight why apprenticeships are so vital for developing both individual careers and the future of our business.

Learning While Earning (and Loving It)

For all three apprentices, choosing an apprenticeship was about getting stuck in and learning the trade in a real working environment. Logan describes it as “the best of both worlds. You learn the trade first hand on site, and in college you learn the job and trade in more detail.”

For him, the combination of practical, hands-on experience and structured college learning makes understanding the role far easier and more meaningful than classroom-only study.

Luke echoes this hands-on approach but goes even further in explaining the value of his peers and daily work:

“I have always felt better with a more hands-on approach as opposed to classroom learning. I also felt that surrounding myself with such an experienced team as we have here would benefit me, as I can sponge up as much knowledge as I can from my fellow peers.”

For Luke, this isn’t just about observing, it’s about being immersed in the job, asking questions, and learning by seeing how experienced technicians solve problems and execute tasks. Apprenticeships allow learning to happen in real-time, on real jobs, with real responsibility, not just in theory.

Why FAUN Zoeller?

Choosing the right company mattered just as much as choosing the right apprenticeship route. Matthew was drawn to FAUN Zoeller for the scale and ambition of the company: “FAUN Zoeller attracted me as it is an international company and I would also like to be a part of the company’s growth.” Being part of a growing organisation gives him the chance to develop alongside it, gaining skills and experience that will last a lifetime.

Luke’s choice was driven by his passion for vehicle maintenance and the opportunity to work in a supportive, knowledgeable environment. He recalls: “I was always interested in vehicle maintenance, and when I heard about FAUN, I pounced at the opportunity to apply to be an apprentice technician here. It is a great company with some great people and a great environment to be in.”

For Logan, it was about believing in a company that invests in its people: “I believed and still believe that FAUN Zoeller is the best place for me to further my education in Welding.”

Support That Makes the Difference

Behind every successful apprenticeship is a supportive team, and all three apprentices were quick to highlight this. Luke reflects on the guidance he receives from his peers: “I couldn’t fault my peers one bit. The support you receive from the team here is unreal. You can ask anybody anything and they’re so happy to help you and even take time out of their day to even show you how things actually correspond in terms of theory or practical. My peers are great!”

Logan also appreciates the support he’s had throughout his apprenticeship: “The support I have received so far has been perfect. Everyone is friendly and willing to lend a hand.” For him, this environment makes learning more straightforward and builds confidence in the skills he is developing.

Matthew agrees, saying that the welcome he received made a big difference: “I would say that the support I have been given has been great and they have made me feel welcome to the company.”

Skills You Can’t Learn from a Textbook

While technical skills are central to any apprenticeship, the lessons apprentices learn often extend beyond welding, vehicle maintenance, or fabrication. For Logan, patience has been one of the most important skills: “The most valuable skill I’ve learnt would be patience and not to rush a job as that can lead to it being wrong and causing setbacks.”

Matthew highlights communication as a skill that he is developing every day: “One of the most valuable skills that have been created while being at this company has to be communication skills.”

Luke points to resilience, determination, and teamwork as essential traits: “My most valuable skill I have learnt here so far is resilience and determination, no job is too small here for anyone and all the team always come together to help each other and never give up. All it takes is determination and teamwork to overcome any problem here.”

These skills: patience, communication, teamwork – will serve them long after the apprenticeship is complete.

No Two Days Are the Same

Variety is one of the aspects that makes apprenticeship life so rewarding. Luke reflects on the diversity of work he encounters: “The thing I enjoy most about day-to-day work is no 2 days are the same. Every day it’s something different and finding and resolving a different issue. My job is very rewarding!”

Logan enjoys the mix of challenges and opportunities that come in with each job: “I enjoy the variety of jobs that come in.”

Matthew values not just the work itself but also the people he works with and the opportunities he has gained: “I enjoy the people that I work with and also the opportunities that I am able to get from working here.”

Looking to the Future

All three apprentices see long-term futures in the industry, and ideally within FAUN Zoeller. Logan hopes to continue doing what he loves: “In a few years’ time, I would have hopefully passed my apprenticeship, so I will either still be welding at FAUN Zoeller.”

Luke has a clear vision for himself: “In a few years time, I see myself in the workshop here in Chorley or out on the road on site servicing and completing body bin lift LOLER inspections at a customer’s yard.”

Being an apprentice at FAUN Zoeller also carries a personal significance. Logan reflects: “What being an apprentice at FAUN Zoeller means a lot to me because they have helped me a lot when it comes to my apprenticeship.” Matthew echoes this sentiment: “Being an apprentice at FAUN Zoeller is a privilege and I am grateful for the opportunity.” Luke sums it up simply: “It means a great deal to me, nothing compares.”

Investing in People, Not Just Training

At FAUN Zoeller, apprenticeships are more than qualifications. We invest time, mentoring, and genuine support to help people grow, not just into skilled engineers and technicians, but into confident professionals with long-term futures. Hearing directly from Luke, Logan, and Matthew reminds us why investing in people truly matters.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled 👀

Thinking about an apprenticeship or your next career move? 👉 View current opportunities on our vacancies page.

Investing in people isn’t just what we say, it’s what we do.