National Apprenticeship Week 2025
A R Manley and Son Ltd takes great pride in our longstanding tradition of nurturing talent internally. For decades, we have consistently brought on apprentices and fostered their development within our company, in collaboration with Shrewsbury Colleges Group to enlist skilled students. As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we are excited to introduce you to some of our apprentices, past and present, and share their journeys.
Apprenticeships
Samuel Heath
Introducing our newest apprentice, Samuel Heath, who joined us in September 2024 at the start of his Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery (Architectural Joiner) apprenticeship. Conscientious, hardworking, and eager to learn, Samuel has quickly become a valued team member. His dedication and skill promise a bright future as a great Joiner.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
I was drawn to an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery during the completion of my full time Level 1 Carpentry and Joinery course at the college. I found an interest in woodworking during my time at school and pursued it at college. In Level 1, you complete a set of basic joints (such as mortise and tenon joints, dovetail etc) and I enjoyed the process of making these as well as the other projects you are given and so this led me to the idea of seeking an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
If there is someone who is looking at the possibility of a Bench Joinery apprenticeship, I would say that if you have an interest in the whole manufacturing process of joinery products such as windows, doors and many other things then it's certainly worth considering. The satisfaction of being able to produce something from scratch, enjoying the process of making and seeing the end result it is well worth it. In addition, you get to work with a great group of experienced joiners who can pass on their knowledge and teach you a skill for life.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
In my job, I quite enjoy being able to watch products come together from start to finish and I personally like the machining process of getting timber out and using the various machines that we have to cut mortises, tenons and adding decorative moulds to eventually create a great looking product.
Robert Shaw
Robert began his journey with us through work experience before starting his Level 2 Carpentry and Joinery (Architectural Joiner) apprenticeship in 2021. Progressing further, he completed his Level 3 and became an Improver in 2024. With just a few more months of hard work and improvement, he is on track to become a fully-fledged joiner, and an excellent one at that. Robert’s attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work earned him the title of Apprentice of the Year at the college and runner-up at the British Woodworking Federation awards.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
I quite enjoyed practical subjects such as product design at school and knew I wanted to go down a hand on job. My family has always done physical work, which I have always found inspiring and interesting.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
It is hard work, but great job satisfaction when you finish a piece of joinery to a high standard.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I enjoyed completing work to a high standard and seeing the growth and development I have achieved over the years, by working on more challenging tasks.
Lewis Rivett
Lewis has been a dedicated team member since 2016, and during his time with us, he has successfully completed his Level 2 and 3 qualifications. His craftsmanship is truly impressive, with notable creations including intricate doors and large traditional sash windows. We are incredibly proud of Lewis's achievements and his continuous growth as a talented joiner.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
During my time at college, I explored a variety of trades, each with its own unique aspects, but joinery quickly emerged as my favourite.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
If you have a genuine passion for woodwork, consider pursuing a fulfilling career in joinery, and the earlier you start in life, the better.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I enjoy how varied and diverse my job is, as it offers me the opportunity to engage in a wide range of tasks and projects on a daily basis. Each day brings new challenges and experiences that keep my work both interesting and fulfilling.
Mark Appleby
Mark completed his apprenticeship in 1997, and has since become an asset to the company, both in and out of the workshop. With decades of experience under his belt, Mark is now a vital part of our fitting team, fitting bespoke joinery and undertaking complex repair works. Customers love Mark’s ‘can-do’ attitude and positivity, as nothing is too much of an ask.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
I always enjoyed working with wood, and an apprenticeship offered me the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop my skills, and earn money simultaneously.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
Bench Joinery is an incredibly rewarding industry, and it is very satisfying seeing the projects you have worked on around town. An apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn the trade.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to work on different projects. This keeps the work engaging and ensures that there is always something new to learn and accomplish. No two days are ever the same.
Kevin Badland
Starting with A R Manley as an apprentice in 1998, Kevin has made himself invaluable to the company, becoming the 'go-to' person for complex joinery and staircases. With his extensive experience and expertise, Kevin is now our Assistant Workshop Supervisor, also spending time in the office producing estimates and providing support to the management team. He is also undertaking a CAD course at Shrewsbury College, further enhancing his natural ability to visualise the final result. Kevin's dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to excellence make him an indispensable member of our team.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
I have always enjoyed woodwork during my time at school, finding great satisfaction in creating various projects and learning about different techniques in woodworking.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
Make sure you take the time to learn about a variety of joinery skills and don’t feel pressured to specialise right from the beginning – keeping your options open will serve you well in the long run.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being able to make a wide range of bespoke joinery.
Ciaran Hanna
Our longest serving member of staff, Ciaran, joined the firm in the year 1983. Since then, he has risen through the ranks and is now proudly serving as our Workshop Supervisor, where he plays a crucial role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the workshop to ensure that everything runs smoothly and remains highly productive.
What led to you choosing an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
I always enjoyed woodwork at school, and I want to pursue a fulfilling career in this craft.
What would you say to someone who is considering an apprenticeship in Bench Joinery?
Not a job that is taken lightly, it requires a genuine desire and passion to pursue it. Achieving true job satisfaction comes from not only completing tasks but also from a sense of pride and fulfilment in the work accomplished.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Job satisfaction derives from the rewarding process of transforming raw materials into the finished product. Such as taking waney edge oak boards, carefully shaping them, and ultimately crafting an impressive piece of joinery.
Higher Education
Anthony Hoyle
Now our Technical Director, Anthony initially joined
A R Manley in 1991, finishing his apprenticeship with us. He went on to complete a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Studies, aiding him in developing skills in site surveying, estimating, measuring and understanding building regulations.
Laura Manley
Laura joined the company in 2020 after starting her career working in project management in the NHS. As her interest in joinery and construction has grown, she has wanted to learn more about the industry and is currently working on a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Construction Management.
Inspiring the next generation
We are fully aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult to hire into our sector, making it even more important to inspire and engage with the future generation of skilled joiners. To address this challenge, we regularly collaborate with Shrewsbury College, attending Careers Fayres and engaging with current students.
Additionally, we partner with local secondary schools to deliver talks and workshops, helping pupils consider their options for GCSEs and higher education. By actively participating in these initiatives, we aim to spark interest and enthusiasm for joinery among young people, ensuring a steady of talented individuals for the future.
Thomas Adams School, Wem
Engaging in a conversation with Year 10 Design and Technology students regarding the various career opportunities in the field of woodwork, different types of wood and their unique characteristics, architecture, and design.
Shrewsbury Colleges Group
We attend every Careers Fayre we possibly can throughout the year! These events offer the perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with prospective students about the various career paths and apprenticeships.
Interested in an Apprenticeship?
Check out Shrewsbury College Group’s website - www.scg.ac.uk/apprenticeships - for further information.
