At T H WHITE, we know our apprenticeship programme and the apprentices within it are the future of the business- bringing fresh thinking, enthusiasm and a hunger to learn that drives us forward. Last week, we proudly celebrated that future with a two-day event at Hartpury College, bringing together 15 of our apprentices for an event designed to inspire, develop and recognise their achievements so far.

The attendees represented the full breadth of our business- with apprentices from Agriculture, Construction, Dairy, Energy, Fire & Security, and Palfinger UK all taking part. It’s this diversity that gives T H WHITE its strength, and seeing our apprentices from different divisions come together highlighted just how important our apprenticeships are to the group.

Across the two days, apprentices took part in a range of activities- from a knowledge-based skills test to wellbeing sessions, a go on farming simulators, and a standout tour of Hartpury’s state-of-the-art dairy unit.

The tour, led by Chris Newey, VMS Specialist for T H WHITE Dairy and a former apprentice himself, gave the apprentices an up-close look at how dairy technology is transforming the industry. With VMS robotic milking, an OptiDuo feed pusher, and cow monitoring systems– all installed and supported by our T H WHITE Dairy team – it was a real showcase of what our apprentices can go on to be part of. Chris’s journey from apprentice to specialist also showed just how far a T H WHITE apprenticeship can take you.

Simon Holmes, our Technical, Training and Development Manager, oversaw the apprentice test sessions and plays a key role in guiding each apprentice along their career path. As Simon shared: “I always look forward to these two days. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to demonstrate their development to senior managers and for them to see how much we value their contribution to our business.”

Following the tests, we’re pleased to announce the top-performing apprentices for each year group:

• Year 3/4 Winner: Charlie Cooper (Marlborough Agriculture)             Runner-up: Toby Smith (Stourport Construction)

• Year 2 Winner: James Farroll (PALFINGER UK)                                Runner-up: Sam Long (Stockbridge Agriculture)

• Year 1 Winner: Ryan Robertson (Frome Dairy)                                  Runner-up: Oliver Miflin (Knockdown Agriculture)

Each winner will receive £200 and each runner-up £100, applied to their staff accounts to support the purchase of tools or equipment. Congratulations to all of you – a brilliant achievement and a reflection of the hard work you’ve put into your apprenticeships.

The value of our apprentices was also strongly echoed by CEO Alex Scott, who gave a presentation and spoke individually with many of the group:
“Spending time with the T H WHITE apprentices was not only enjoyable and insightful but also gives me great confidence for the future. Year-after-year they impress me with their maturity and competence, and it’s a great privilege to play a part in supporting and encouraging their development.”

Alongside the technical elements, our HR team ran sessions focused on wellbeing- reinforcing our commitment to supporting not just the professional, but personal growth of each apprentice.

The atmosphere across the two days was one of pride, positivity and progress. Our apprentices showed real passion for their work and a clear commitment to their futures- and we couldn’t be prouder. Whether in the workshop, on-site, or out in the field, T H WHITE apprentices bring energy, new ideas and real value to everything we do.

Looking to take your first step into the industry? A T H WHITE apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, expert mentoring, and genuine opportunity to grow within a forward-thinking, supportive team. Keep an eye on our careers page for new openings.