Apprentices take over factory every Friday

Andy Burnham’s ‘hard hat revolution’ is being waged and won in Cornwall, it has been revealed.

Teagle Machinery, a market leading Agri-machinery plant in Truro, has been totally revived thanks to its transformative policies towards skills and apprenticeships in the workplace.

Apprentices (existing and qualified), now make up 20% of its entire workforce, as they are so able and respected, they now run the entire manufacturing operation each Friday.

The family run firm, which turns over more than £20m per annum, is about to be thrust into the national spotlight, having been chosen to be at the epicentre of the UK’s inaugural Vocational Celebration Day, when young people on the frontline of the skills revolution, take a well-earned bow.

Vocational Celebration Day, just a week before A Level results day, takes the form of a live YouTube stream, presented by TV star, author, former apprentice and skills campaigner Steph McGovern (which is being made available to news organisations free of charge).

The new initiative, powered by the former Sector Skills Council, Enginuity and awarding organisation EAL, is designed to shine a spotlight on the important contributions of vocational training and skilled trades to the nation’s prosperity.

This day, set to be observed every year on the first Thursday of August, honours those whose passion, expertise, and dedication in vocational fields form the backbone of the UK’s economy and society.

Managing Director Tom Teagle, said: “Apprentices, both current and qualified, now make up 20% of our production workforce and play an essential role in the future of the business. They provide energy, vigour, new ideas and an ongoing engagement with the local community right on our doorstep.

“Our established apprenticeship programme helps us develop the practical skills, engineering knowledge and experience needed to support the company’s sustainable long-term success. We set high standards from the outset, giving our apprentices the skills, confidence and experience needed to take responsibility for machine shop production every Friday.

“As a mainstay for skills provision in our advanced manufacturing operation, our programme is central to shaping the future of our business.”

The first Vocational Celebration Day is seen as an important milestone in bringing about a seed change in parity of esteem between academic and vocational pathways to work.
Steph, who was an Apprentice Engineer at Black+Decker on Teesside, is set to host the proceedings with a live televised event which will incorporate celebrations from workplaces and colleges across devolved nations and regions.

The programme will feature young learners from across the country, employers, educators and government leaders.

Although Enginuity and EAL operate in the engineering and manufacturing sector, they welcome involvement from the entire skills spectrum.

“This is brilliant news and long overdue.” Comments host Steph McGovern. “Why should academics have all the fun and glory? We have graduation days, A Level Day, GCSE Day – now Vocational Celebration Day.

“I’ve been banging on for years about the need to celebrate vocational qualifications in the same way we do purely academic success stories. Let’s face it, vocational learners are the lifeblood of our country and yet have been left in the shadows.

“We want to make sure that this changes and these brilliant people get to celebrate in style.”

Ann Watson MBE, CEO of Enginuity said: “This is our gift to the entire skills and vocational community. Congratulations to all those qualifying this year – this is a major achievement for those pursuing vocational careers.

“Take a bow, enjoy your moment in the spotlight and celebrate in the knowledge that you are well on the way to securing a rewarding career that will be of benefit to you, your family and the country as a whole.”

Across the United Kingdom, millions of individuals dedicate their careers to vocational pursuits: whether as skilled tradespeople, technicians, carers, culinary professionals, or creative artisans. These roles are the engine of progress, responsible for everything from keeping our lights on and our buildings safe to caring for our loved ones, crafting our cuisine, and driving innovation across sectors.