The apprenticeship journey: Chris Armes, Design & Development Director

Some of the world’s most famous, rich and powerful people began their careers as apprentices – from Benjamin Franklin, Henry Ford and Leonardo da Vinci to Sir Alex Ferguson, Gordon Ramsay and Eric Clapton.

Apprenticeships have always played an important part of career development at Liniar, ever since its first apprentice in 1977 went on to run the company!

A big advocate of apprenticeships is Liniar’s Design & Development Director Chris Armes, who came through that route himself, making him ideally placed to understand the opportunities and pitfalls that may lay ahead for young people.

“In 2003 I was still a year away from finishing my ‘A’ levels but I’d started to get restless. I’ve always been a pretty ‘hands on’ guy and while I wanted to carry on with my studies, I felt the urge to make my mark in the world of employment – and also earn some much-needed cash! The idea of learning while working and getting paid at the same time seemed like the perfect harmony to me so I applied to a local recruitment company that specialised in setting up apprenticeships.

“My dad’s an electrician so I had a notion of following in his footsteps but after my initial interview they suggested that I seemed much better suited to a career in manufacturing engineering – and before I knew it I was working as an apprentice toolmaker at HL Plastics – now Liniar.

“As a naïve, 17-year-old it was a daunting experience to be in a tool room environment surrounded by a bunch of 40-year-old blokes. But they were obviously vastly experienced and it was great for me to soak up some of their expertise.

“I worked four days a week and attended college on the other, which was a really nice mix and helped me stay on track rather than getting stuck in a rut and losing focus. The support I received from my tutors and supervisors was also vital.

“One of the main advantages of an apprenticeship is the all-round on-the-job experience you gain, especially when paired with what you’re learning at college. You get the perfect combination of education while at the same time gaining real life experience and putting the theory into practice – and vice versa.

“A lot of people say that you only really learn something by actually doing it and I’m a great believer in that. After completing my three year apprenticeship and achieving my NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, I was encouraged to continue my education with an FDSc(Foundation Degree in Science), gaining a Higher National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering three years later.

“A year later I was promoted to Tool Room Manager, before moving across to be a Design Draughtsperson – and in 2013, 10 years after joining as a 17-year-old apprentice, I’d worked my way up to be the Manager of the Design & Development department.

“We’re still very much a pro-apprenticeship business - in fact, out of the seven members of staff in my team, six of us either started as an apprentice or is currently on an apprenticeship programme.

“I’m living proof that with the right attitude, ambition and a desire to learn, an apprenticeship with Liniar is a great way to begin your career path!”