Total People apprenticeship scheme delivers for Tiger Trailers
Total People is supporting Tiger Trailers in building its future workforce through a bespoke apprenticeship programme, helping the manufacturer respond to skills shortages and train engineers around real production needs.
The programme launched in September 2025 with an initial cohort of twenty apprentices. The Cheshire-based trailer manufacturer has developed the bespoke programme with Total People to support long-term skills development within the business, as employers across the engineering sector continue to face recruitment challenges. The partnership is also focused on opening up early careers routes for young people, giving them a structured pathway into engineering.
Brendan Jones, production onboarding and training manager at Tiger Trailers, said: “Across the business, we were seeing the same issues: an ageing workforce meaning key skills are leaving our industry as people retire, coupled with difficulties recruiting people with the right skills. Apprenticeships have allowed us to bring people in and train them our way.”
Rather than using a standard model, Tiger Trailers and Total People have worked together to deliver the Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship in a way that reflects the company’s production environment and day-to-day operations.
He added: “What we do isn’t something you can just learn off the shelf, so having a tailored apprenticeship is critical.”
Apprentices gain experience across multiple departments, building a broad range of technical skills while learning in a live manufacturing setting.
John Williams, learning coach at Total People, said: “Everything is designed around their production line and what their apprentices need to succeed. The programme also includes regular progress reviews, one-to-one support and flexible delivery to help apprentices stay on track throughout their training.”
Apprentices say the structured on-the-job training has helped to build confidence, ability and independence.
Charlie Taylor, an engineering maintenance technician apprentice, said: “I didn’t have a clue what I was walking into at the start, but now I’m able to complete tasks on my own. It’s boosted my confidence massively. It’s been great having that support from the learning coaches. They’re always checking in and helping with anything we need.”
Fellow apprentice Kyle Williams said: “They eased us in rather than expecting us to be at the same standard straight away. That’s helped build confidence with tools and working as part of a team.”
Tiger Trailers says the apprenticeship programme is also having a wider impact across the business, creating new progression opportunities and encouraging more people to consider careers in engineering – and sees apprenticeships as an important part of its future workforce strategy.
Brendan Jones added: “It’s creating a really positive environment. We’re seeing people recommend the programme to friends and family, which shows we’re doing something right. The initiative is helping bring new perspectives into the workplace while supporting the company’s long-term skills pipeline.”
Mark Wheeler, managing director at ETC Awards which assesses Total People’s apprentices, added: “Seeing the growth, development and strength of relationships between ETC Awards and Total People is a testament to the truly dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate people across both organisations, ultimately and most importantly to the benefit of apprentices like Kyle and Charlie. Long may this continue.”
