The course, which is now offered in addition to traditional bench joinery, is designed to give apprentices an excellent overview of modern manufacturing techniques such as the use of the latest CNC machinery to suit the needs of larger timber product manufacturers.
Having initially developed a passion for woodwork, helping to build timber pergolas for his father’s tearoom business, Mr Nightingale, aged 20 from Ripley, was keen to develop his skills in a local Derbyshire company known for its high-end products and advanced manufacturing techniques.
In 2020 he started at Alfreton-based window and door manufacturer Gowercroft Joinery and during his two-year apprenticeship Mr Nightingale has gained ‘on the job’ experience in practical aspects of window and door joinery from cutting the raw material to length, machining, assembly, and final fit up, as well as understanding of the company’s overall production processes.
In addition, one day a week at West Nottinghamshire College has offered further training on a wide range of machinery, tools and equipment, materials and components used in the production of engineered products as well as Health and Safety and general skills required for employment.
Mr Nightingale is the first person to have completed the Level 2 Wood Product Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship at West Nottinghamshire College, a path that many more students are about to follow.
Gowercroft has a long track record of supporting apprentices, many of whom have gone on to permanent positions within the company.
In a normal year, the company takes on four new Wood Product Manufacturing Operatives and typically has six to eight shop floor apprentices, at any given time, equating to roughly 10% of the overall workforce.
