We have always placed a particular emphasis on recruiting and training young people. In part, this is because we are determined to safeguard our skills long into the future and also because it is a tremendous privilege helping apprentices make the transition from being a scholar to being a competent tradesman, who is capable of overcoming the various complexities of the job.

But perhaps the greatest benefit is that together we can combine our ideas and opinions to bring continual improvements for the benefit of our customers. By challenging our processes we are always ready to adapt and to improve. In turn we provide our apprentices with an environment in which they can develop many characteristics that will support them as they progress. We have trained over 30 apprentices at Tompkins Joinery over the years – not only within the joinery trade, but also in other roles such as sales, marketing and office administration.