National Apprentice Week: Catching Up with Our Apprentice One Year On
As we celebrate National Apprentice Week once again, we are excited to catch up with our apprentice, Matthew Wetherall, one year after our last interview. Matthew has been on an incredible journey, gaining experience across multiple departments at Tradeglaze while also furthering his academic studies. His story is a testament to the value of apprenticeships, both for individuals looking to develop their careers and for businesses investing in future talent.
A Year of Growth and Learning
Reflecting on the past year, Matthew highlights the significant progress he has made in his degree apprenticeship.
“I have experienced time in all the departments at Tradeglaze, including marketing, sales, surveying, customer service, and remedial work. My knowledge of the company’s operations has advanced significantly, and I have built strong relationships across the entire team.”
This well-rounded exposure has not only deepened Matthew’s understanding of the glazing industry but has also provided him with practical skills and insights that will benefit his future career.
Understanding the Industry from All Angles
Spending time in different departments has given Matthew a comprehensive view of how Tradeglaze operates.
“I am now very aware of how we as a business differ from other glazing companies. We operate on a professional level throughout all processes, from consultation to fitting to after-sales service. I have gained a broad knowledge of each stage that goes into creating the customer’s final product, and I’ve seen first-hand how we consistently exceed expectations.”
Bridging Practical Experience with Academic Learning
One of the key benefits of a degree apprenticeship is the ability to apply hands-on experience to academic studies. Matthew has found that his training at Tradeglaze has directly supported his university coursework.
“I have undertaken a number of training courses on safety and building regulations, which have given me a wider understanding of industry best practices. Learning from industry-leading professionals and managers has been invaluable, helping me develop strong communication skills and the ability to navigate internal challenges.
Working in customer-facing roles has been especially beneficial, improving my confidence when presenting to peers, as well as in written communication such as essays and coursework.”
Overcoming Challenges
Like any role, Matthew’s apprenticeship has come with its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles he faced was customer communication.
“Initially, I found courtesy calls challenging, but after learning from the fantastic office admin team, I was able to successfully carry out numerous calls to problem-solve logistical issues. It was a great learning experience, and I now feel much more confident in handling customer interactions.”
Looking Ahead
As Matthew enters the next stage of his apprenticeship, he is eager to expand his knowledge even further.
“I am looking forward to exploring our supply chain in more depth and gaining insights from the industry-leading suppliers we work with. Understanding how national companies of different sizes operate is paramount to my business management and leadership apprenticeship.”
Advice for Future Apprentices
Reflecting on his experience, Matthew shares valuable advice for those just starting their apprenticeship journey.
“Ask more questions—there’s no such thing as a stupid question. The team is very supportive and always happy to offer an answer. I also think it’s important to record all the details of the day because every day is an opportunity for new learning.”
The Value of Apprenticeships
Matthew’s journey over the past year showcases the immense value of apprenticeships. For employers, apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, strengthening the workforce and helping businesses grow. For apprentices, it’s a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning qualifications and developing essential skills for the future.
Well done on everything you have achieved so far, Matthew. You have become an immensely valuable member of the Tradeglaze team and we are very lucky to have you here!
