To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we spoke with two of our apprentices, Luke and Adam, about their experiences, career goals, and advice for future apprentices.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Luke – I arrive at work with a coffee in the morning. I then switch my brain into work mode and complete tasks that arise throughout the day.
Adam – I start the day by getting to work and making a brew. I then begin preparing formulations and carry out any tasks assigned to me in the lab. Every day brings something slightly different, which keeps the role interesting.
What qualification will you be gaining from your apprenticeship?
Luke – Level 2 Continuous Improvement
Adam – BSc (Hons) in Chemical Science
What surprised you most when you started your apprenticeship with Kelmore?
Luke – I was surprised by how quickly Kelmore is growing and how successful we are as a team.
Adam – I was surprised by how much is going on across the company, there’s a lot more happening behind the scenes than I expected.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Luke – I see myself in a similar role but with much more experience, confidence, and the ability to adapt to a wider range of tasks.
Adam – I hope to be a fully qualified lab technician, continuing to develop my skills and taking on more responsibility.
What would you say to someone who is unsure about apprenticeships?
Luke – I’d absolutely recommend doing an apprenticeship. I’ve gained practical skills, work experience, and the opportunity to continue improving my English and Maths.
Adam – I’d say go for it. It’s a great alternative to university and you learn a lot more through hands-on experience while earning at the same time.
What has been your biggest achievement so far since starting your apprenticeship?
Luke – Producing 58 pallets of product in just two days and operating a forklift truck for the first time were huge achievements.
Adam – Being involved in developing new products for Kelmore is a huge achievement and makes me feel proud of my contribution.
One word to describe your apprenticeship so far?
Luke – Outstanding
Adam – Busy
If you could swap roles with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Luke – I would swap with our Operations Director, Andy Moss, as I could learn a lot about decision-making and the different roles across production.
Adam – I think it would be fun to swap with one of the sales guys for a day as it would be a great opportunity to get out and meet our customers.
What’s something people might not know about you?
Luke – I have autism, ADHD and love comic books.
Adam – I’m a swimming coach in my spare time.
What motivates you most at work?
Luke – Becoming the best I can be for myself and my hardworking mother.
Adam – Learning as much as I can as it helps me to get better at my job.
Luke and Adam’s journeys highlight the dedication, growth, and achievements of our apprentices at Kelmore. From learning new skills to taking on responsibilities, they’ve made a real impact and we’re proud to celebrate their progress this National Apprenticeship Week. If you’re looking to start an apprenticeship this September, get in touch to find out how you could begin your own journey with us.
