This week, we're celebrating National Apprenticeship Week - a moment dedicated to recognising the incredible contribution apprentices make across the industries. Here at P C Henderson, it's the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the talented individuals who support our teams behind the scenes and play a key role in how our sliding and folding door hardware is manufactured.

In this blog we'll be introducing you to our apprentices, each working within different areas of the business and each brining fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment to their roles. From engineering to commercial functions, their work helps drive our innovation and keep our operations moving.

Josh Bailes - Design Engineer Apprentice

Meet Josh, our Design Engineer Apprentice, who joined P C Henderson in 2024 and works within our Research & Development team. A typical day for Josh often begins with creating product models from scratch using CAD or refining existing product designs. He's also involved in test-building products, ensuring each system operates as intended - an important step that helps identify any improvements needed before launch.

When asked why he chose an apprenticeship, Josh shared, "I loved the idea of gaining real-world experience rather than just studying at college. Working with P C Henderson gives me a great understanding of the manufacturing industry."

One of Josh's recent projects involved modelling our test lab and showroom during our recent site move. This required adding the building footprint into CAD and rearranging equipment to ensure everything fitted correctly while still allowing enough space to work efficiently, 

Since Joining P C Henderson, Josh has developed a wide range of valuable skills and as quickly become a strong member of the team. Chris Ward, our Product and Technical Director, had this to say about Josh's journey so far: 

"Josh has proven himself as a great addition to the design team. By gaining knowledge through on-the-job training and his college studies, he continues to go from strength to strength. His professionalism, willingness to ask thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm for tackling challenges have made him an invaluable part of P C Henderson."

Outside of work Josh enjoys hiking an activity that allows him to explore new places and continuously challenge himself.

Amy Newton - Commercial Apprentice

Since joining P C Henderson in February 2023, Amy has been making her mark as our Commercial Apprentice. From her first day, she has embraced every area of the business, gaining hands-on experience in Customer Service, Planning and Production before finding her true passion in marketing. Today, Amy works within the Marketing department with a focus on social media marketing, website maintenance, and writing blogs to boost our SEO.

One of the projects Amy is most proud of is collaborating with our sister company, Carlisle Brass, to launch our new range of flush pulls and accessories.

When asked why she chose an apprenticeship, Amy explained, "I wanted the opportunity to learn about a business from the ground up while discovering the career path that suits me best. Working at P C Henderson has given me a real insight into how every department contributes to the company's success."

Since joining the marketing team, Amy has become an integral part of the department. Kate Donkin, our Marketing Lead, said: "Amy's curiosity and drive have been impressive throughout her apprenticeship. She has embraced every opportunity to learn, and her contributions to our marketing efforts have already made a noticeable impact."

Outside of work, Amy loves to travel and is especially looking forward to her upcoming trip to Dubai this year.

 

It's inspiring to see the impact apprentices like Josh and Amy are making here at P C Henderson. Their dedication, fresh perspective, and willingness to learn play an essential role in driving our business force. Apprenticeships not only help individuals build practical skills and discover their passions, but they also strengthen our teams and contribute to our success. We are incredibly proud of Amy and Josh and are looking forward to seeing their careers continue to grow.