Apprenticeship Success Stories – A Fair Share

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The success stories of apprentices who have worked their way up through the Window Widgets business across multiple departments have been shared.

Apprenticeships provide a vital pathway into the fenestration sector, proving that careers in engineering, customer service, marketing and supply chain management are all achievable within the industry.

Through their journeys, former apprentices at Window Widgets demonstrate the importance of hands-on experience, continuous learning and career progression.

 

Carl Smith – mechanical & electrical engineer

Smith started his journey at Window Widgets in the warehouse and after a year, was offered an apprenticeship in Level 3 Electro-technical Installation & Maintenance. Now, with only four months left in his programme, he is set to qualify as a M&E engineer.

He says: “The skills I’ve gained such as organisation, responsibility and analytical awareness, are invaluable. My advice to new apprentices? Put in the work, be patient and take your time to do things right.

 

Josh Forrester-Rodway – customer service advisor

Forrester-Rodway initially began as a window fitter before joining Window Widgets and transitioning into customer service, when he realised his natural affinity for connecting with people alongside his industry knowledge would be a great fit for a customer facing role. He has now passed his apprenticeship and is a customer service advisor with the company. He says: “I was fortunate to have an amazing mentor and a supportive team. The best skill I gained was learning to be myself with customers, building strong relationships across the business. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, it’s important to work hard, be a good person and stay eager to learn.”

 

 Jo Trotman – marketing manager

Trotman’s apprenticeship began as a commercial trainee, almost 27 years ago, rotating through multiple departments in order to see where her skills would be best put to use. She quickly found her fit in marketing, enjoying the creativity and variety in the function. Over the years, her career flourished from marketing assistant to marketing communications manager In 2021, she joined Window Widgets as marketing manager.

She says: “Hard work and respect for colleagues have been key to my success. Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to gain real-world experience while earning qualifications. My advice? Take every opportunity to learn and develop—it will pay off.”

 

Heather Edwards – supply Cchain director

Edwards took her first step into the industry through an apprenticeship with an international company after finishing her GCSEs. The apprenticeship provided her with work-based experience, further education and financial independence. All things she was looking for, that a route through university didn’t. She says: “Apprenticeships offer the perfect solution for young professionals looking to gain practical skills while learning. I strongly encourage businesses to support apprenticeship programs and invest in the next generation.”

 

Picture: Carl Smith has become a mechanical & electrical engineer. Window Widgets has championed apprenticeship success stories.

www.windowwidgets.co.uk/careers

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
14th May 2025

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