NLTG celebrates 50th apprenticeship with furniture manufacturer

North Lancs Training Group (NLTG) has marked its fantastic 18-year partnership with Preston-based furniture manufacturer Tetrad with their 49th and 50th apprenticeship achievers.

Thomas Charnley and Jack Webster are the two latest to complete their NLTG apprenticeships at Tetrad.

Thomas commented: “My experience was great; I had a really good relationship with my tutor Graham; he always went above and beyond for me. I also enjoyed going to NLTG’s Furniture CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) for training; it helped me learn things I couldn’t necessarily do at work, like the cutting and sewing side of upholstery.

“I have progressed a lot since my apprenticeship. I have been able to put my Level 3 to use and have also been offered a temporary training role. I have come on leaps and bounds in my upholstery skills, doing a much wider range of work. On a more personal note, I have also been able to buy my own house.”

Jack Webster said: “Studying with NLTG was a really good experience and it showed me new and different ways to learn and develop. The training provided worked well with the standard I was at, and NLTG also helped me with my confidence. The group of apprentices I studied my apprenticeship with were aged 16-24, which also helped me to make new friends.

“Since my apprenticeship I have progressed in many different ways, including buying a house and starting a family with the birth of my daughter. I also progressed immediately onto piecework after finishing my Apprenticeship – and that was all because I had done an Apprenticeship with NLTG.”

Since 2005, NLTG has supported apprenticeships in a number of departments with the handcrafted furniture manufacturers including Design Development, Wood Machining, Fabric Cutting, Sewing, Upholstery, Polishing and Warehousing.

Graham Cornwell, NLTG CoVE tutor, who has been looking after Tetrad’s apprenticeship programmes for the past 18 years, said: “I can honestly say that I have found it a pleasure to work with the management, staff and apprentices over the past 18 years and to see the benefits of the apprenticeship programme within the company, developing the next generation of skilled craftsmen and women.”

Tetrad, who have enjoyed an international reputation for making top quality furniture since 1968, are continuing their highly successful strategy of developing staff with high levels of skills and knowledge for the workforce of the future.

That includes Daniel Morrison and Liam Brooks, who have both recently started their NLTG Apprenticeships at Tetrad in the upholstery department, following an eight-week traineeship programme.

Daniel Morrison, upholstery apprentice, commented: “It has been a great experience so far and Graham has been very helpful. It’s a really nice atmosphere here at Tetrad and I really enjoy working with my colleagues, as well as the hands-on nature of the job.

“I’m looking forward to working towards my Level 3, and to anyone thinking of applying for an Apprenticeship, I would just say go for it. You get paid to learn and with NLTG, you have the best training group to do it with.”

Upholstery apprentice Liam Brooks added: “Having found NLTG and the job opportunity with Tetrad via the internet, I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience so far. Not only am I learning new skills and making new friends, but I feel like it’s a better opportunity than going to college because you are getting paid to learn the new skills.

“I also have a good relationship with my tutor Graham, who has been really helpful and supportive when I’m doing my coursework, and I’m excited to progress further in the Upholstery industry.”

Tetrad was formed in 1968 in Preston, with one goal in mind: to make the highest quality furniture possible, using only the finest materials. They are proud to use the strongest woods, finest fabrics and most luxurious leather hides to handcraft unique furniture. You can learn more about them on their website: https://tetrad.co.uk/

More information about the opportunities for employers to develop their team and grow their business with NLTG, can be found here: www.nltg.co.uk/employers/