Poppy McKenzie Smith

09.02.26

The Apprentices: How Young Talent is Forging Ahead at Ford

Apprenticeships are a powerful pathway to a rewarding career, offering hands-on experience, valuable qualifications, and a launchpad into the professional world. At Ford, we're incredibly proud of our long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent across the UK.

To mark National Apprentice Week, we've gathered insights directly from some of our brilliant current apprentices.

Charlotte Gill: 3rd Year Apprentice

Charlotte Gill perfectly embodies the dynamic future of the automotive sector. A third-year Higher Engineering Degree Apprentice at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, she joined Ford straight from A-levels, driven by the transformative shift to electric vehicles. For anyone hesitant about joining the industry, Charlotte offers powerful advice: "It's okay to not be an automotive expert already, as that's what the apprenticeships are for… to learn!"

Working in Electrified Propulsion Engineering, Charlotte has dived into electric propulsion systems and recently honed her Python coding skills, which she immediately used to automate administrative tasks, boosting team efficiency. Her apprenticeship has also opened doors to unique experiences, from assisting in the conversion of Mustang Mach-E vehicles into hearses and limousines, to participating in a Guinness World Record attempt for Transit’s 60th Birthday. A passionate advocate for STEM education, Charlotte proves that Ford apprenticeships are a safe space to learn, grow, and make a real impact.

Ishraq Chowdhury: 3rd Year Apprentice

Ishraq Chowdhury's Ford journey is a remarkable full-circle story. A third-year Engineering Degree Apprentice in the Battery Array team at Dunton, a group dedicated to the design and performance of electric vehicle battery packs, Ishraq was once a participant and winner in the Ford-sponsored Greenpower racing competitions. This experience ignited his love for practical engineering, and now, he’s back, helping to organise and improve the Greenpower programme, inspiring the next generation.

Working in the crucial Battery Array team, Ishraq thrives on applying theoretical knowledge to real-world electrification challenges. He’s learned to navigate global teams, process engineering data, and operate diagnostic equipment to make critical updates to electronic control units. For Ishraq, the automotive sector's constant evolution means "there are always new challenges to face." His empowering advice to aspiring apprentices is: "as long as you have raw passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, this industry is for you."

Tristan Barnes: 4th Year Apprentice

For Tristan Barnes, a fourth-year apprentice in Product Development at Dunton, his role is all about impact. Focusing on commercial vehicles, he constantly asks, "Is this decision right for the customer? Is my contribution to the product the best way forward?" This customer-centric approach means his daily projects directly influence the final product, making each day profoundly meaningful.

Tristan didn’t start with an automotive background, but that hasn't held him back. "Solving problems with logic and having the right attitude goes a long way," he advises, highlighting the transferable skills an apprenticeship provides.

His journey has been rich with opportunities, from driving Transits at an event in Germany and leading a Ford project for a local college, to visiting the Transit production plant in Turkey. The biggest thrill of the job is "seeing a production vehicle on the road and knowing that you helped bring it there," a testament to the real-world connection his work provides.

Archie Dyer: 4th Year Apprentice

At the Ford Engine Plant in Dagenham, fourth-year apprentice Archie Dyer thrives on the hands-on challenges of engineering. Drawn to Ford for its promise of valuable, transferable skills, he finds immense satisfaction in continually developing his expertise and learning about the cutting-edge technology that drives the factory.

Archie's work often involves maintaining and programming the advanced robots that assemble, clean, and produce engine components. He relishes the responsibility, applying his skills to find fault and fix these complex, high-value machines. For Archie, the automotive industry is an exciting place because it is "constantly changing, and is driven by innovation." He advises potential applicants to "keep an open mind and trust your ability to learn and develop."

Harry Johnston: 4th Year Apprentice

Harry Johnston, a fourth-year apprentice at Ford's Halewood Electric Power Unit Plant in Merseyside, was drawn to the world of manufacturing and automotive by a lifelong interest in cars and the positive influence of his brother, a former Ford apprentice.

“It is a great four years where you will meet new people, learn new skills and progress as a maintenance engineer.”

Harry Johnston, Fourth-Year Apprentice, Ford Halewood

Harry has recently become proficient with the complex Junker and Mae machines in a key manufacturing department. His skills now encompass running and fixing these intricate pieces of equipment, right down to handling their internal digital programming.

A media day for the E-Drive launch pushed him out of his comfort zone, building his confidence in pressure situations. His message to those considering an apprenticeship is clear: "Go for it. It is a great four years where you will meet new people, learn new skills and progress as a maintenance engineer."

Joe Armbruster: 2nd Year Apprentice

Joe Armbruster, a second-year apprentice at the Halewood Transmissions Plant, was inspired to join Ford by his passion for a sustainable future and the green transition. He found a unique opportunity to develop his skills at a company celebrated for its apprenticeship programme, and deeply values the "fantastic" support from colleagues who openly share their experiences.

Perhaps the most unexpected highlight of Joe’s journey has been working with Ford’s innovative "SPOT the Robot Dog." Joe is responsible for setting up its inspection routes and managing SPOT daily — an experience he describes as "not quite like anything else I have ever worked with and certainly not what I expected my apprenticeship to involve."

Ian Todd: 3rd Year Mechanical Electrical Engineer

Ian Todd, a third-year adult apprentice at the Dagenham Engine Plant, embodies the power of lifelong learning. After applying aged 49, he joined Ford to upskill, gain expertise in the latest technologies, and "future proof" his career. Ian deeply appreciates the confidence and knowledge shared by his Skillnet trainers and seasoned maintenance teams.

Ian recently developed a full working control system, which he successfully connected to the factory's industrial equipment, which is a testament to the real-world impact apprentices can have. This innovative solution, which involved self-taught Python coding, has led to Ford and Ian submitting a patent request.

Despite initial anxieties about returning to formal education, Ian found his college experience incredibly positive, growing alongside his team. He believes the industry's use of advancing technologies "helps us as a company to be at the top of our game."

James Warnes: 3rd Year Apprentice

James Warnes, a third-year apprentice at the Dagenham Engine Plant, thrives on hands-on tasks and the continuous expansion of his mechanical knowledge. He particularly enjoys the practical learning experiences that are often difficult to find in traditional education, along with the insights gained from colleagues who share their vast experiences.

Recently, James has immersed himself in understanding lifting equipment, from learning about chain wear to completing hoist maintenance checks. A standout project involved using CAD to design an iPad stand, then 3D printing it to test the design.

James highlights the automotive sector’s collaborative and innovative spirit: "Each day I learn something new and different, which makes me excited for work." His advice to anyone considering an apprenticeship is: "you won't know until you try it."

At Ford, we are immensely proud of every single one of our apprentices. Their dedication, fresh ideas, and relentless pursuit of knowledge are not just vital to our continued success and innovation — they are shaping the future of mobility itself.