National Apprenticeship Week 2026: Catch Up with Matthew

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we catch up with Matthew Wetherall, who is currently in the third year of his degree apprenticeship in partnership with Nottingham Trent University.

Last year, we spoke with Matthew about the value of apprenticeships for individuals developing their careers and for businesses investing in future talent, you can read the full interview here.

This year’s theme focuses on skills, so we spoke with Matthew about his development and the skills he’s continuing to build for the future.

What has changed the most from year one to year three, where you are now?

“Now in the third year of my apprenticeship, I feel I have gained much more responsibility. People across the business come to me for help and advice, which makes me feel like I’m adding real value. Recently, I have also been involved in training new staff members, and it is really rewarding to be able to pass my learning on to others.

At the start, I was focused on learning the basics and understanding how everything worked. Now I feel confident sharing ideas, supporting others and contributing to decisions that help improve how we work and the service we provide to customers.”

What skills have you picked up that will stay with you for life?

“I have gained so many valuable practical skills over the past two and a half years. I am now familiar with the entire customer journey, from initial enquiry through to manufacturing, installation and aftercare. That helps me understand how each stage connects and why quality and attention to detail are so important.

There are also key transferable skills I have developed, particularly time management and task prioritisation – skills that help me both in and outside of work.”

What are you most proud of during your time here so far?

“I am really proud of the role I played in improving our quotation process, helping make it more efficient and expanding the range of colours and product types available. It has been rewarding to see improvements I have been a part of being used day to day across the business, helping create a smoother experience for customers.”

What role have your mentors and colleagues played in your development?

“Everyone has been very supportive, giving their time and sharing their expertise. It’s been great to gain real-world experience across different departments and learn from a wide range of leadership and management styles.

This has helped me understand how different teams work together to deliver the best results for customers and has influenced my decision to write my dissertation on this topic.”

Why do you think apprenticeships are so effective at developing lifelong skills?

“Apprenticeships are a great way to learn a wide breadth of academic and practical skills, gaining a real understanding of how a company functions day to day.”

What advice would you give to someone at the start of their apprenticeship journey?

“My advice would be to make the most of the support available across the business and gain as much experience as possible. Don’t be afraid to bring ideas to the table.

By year three, I feel confident presenting ideas and helping to implement changes that improve processes across the business.”

Matthew, you have come such a long way and are a valued member of our team. We are excited to see where your journey takes you next.