This week, G W Martin was proud to be represented at the National Apprenticeship Week Reception at 10 Downing Street, with our Managing Director, Stuart Yalden, attending on behalf of the business. The event brought together apprentices, employers and industry leaders to celebrate the vital role apprenticeships play in developing future talent across the UK.
For us, this was more than a diary date; it was a timely reminder of something that has been central to G W Martin since our foundation in 1959.
A proud apprenticeship legacy
Apprenticeships have shaped G W Martin for generations. Over the decades, we’ve seen people join us at the very start of their careers and go on to build long, fulfilling working lives within the business – in some cases spanning more than 50 years. Others have taken the skills, confidence and values developed here into leadership roles across the wider industry, into education, or into running successful businesses of their own.
This legacy is something we are immensely proud of. It reflects the belief, championed over several generations, that investing time, effort and trust in young people creates lasting value, not just for one company, but for the whole sector.
Shaping futures today and tomorrow
Today, that commitment continues. We are currently supporting four apprentices through their training and are preparing to recruit a further three apprentices for our 2026 cohort. Each apprentice brings fresh perspectives, energy and ambition, helping us to strengthen our business while learning a skilled trade in a real working environment.
We believe apprenticeships are about more than filling skills gaps. They’re about giving people the opportunity to discover their strengths, build confidence and develop careers they can be proud of. In doing so, they help ensure the long-term sustainability and innovation of our industry.
Creating wider industry impact
One of the most encouraging aspects of attending the reception was seeing so many young people starting out across a wide range of disciplines, supported by businesses and training organisations working together. When apprentices thrive, the benefits ripple outward, strengthening supply chains, raising standards and creating social value far beyond individual workplaces.
We are grateful for the continued support of our training partners, whose expertise and collaboration play a crucial role in helping apprentices succeed.
Looking ahead
As we look to the future, our commitment to apprenticeships remains as strong as ever. Developing the next generation is fundamental to who we are and where we’re going.
By investing in young people today, we’re helping to build a skilled, resilient and forward-looking industry for tomorrow.
