Petrarch is proud to be supporting National Apprenticeship Week.

Thanks. Well, naturally, I’m a little nervous, but at the same time I feel I’ve been well supported and prepared for it, so I’m confident that it will be fine.

How have you found the apprenticeship overall?

It’s been a really good experience to be honest. It’s always a challenge trying to learn whilst you’re working too, but I do think it enables you to learn more quickly whilst you’re actually encountering and overcoming challenges in a real way. If that makes sense.

Would you say the support you’ve had is a key highlight?

Yes, everyone has been very encouraging, from Trevor the chemist, to the Directors and of course my TIRO tutor Aaron who has been totally supportive. Trevor has been a great source of knowledge and his expertise have enabled me to flourish I think, whilst Aaron has kept me on track with my studies, with regular catch-ups and trouble-shooting sessions. He’s a very encouraging and motivating person.

What does an average day look like for you in the lab?

Well there never really seems to be an ‘average’ day, every day is quite mixed and poses its various challenges. My main role I guess is to work on developing recipes, improving consistency and trying to achieve the exact colour a customer may be looking for. It’s important that when getting those colours right, nothing is impacted in terms of the qualities of the material. It really is an exact science, and I enjoy it very much.

That all sounds very complicated, I imagine it takes a great deal of patience?

Yes, sometimes it can be frustrating when you’re working on a colour mix and then you could have a reaction you’ve not anticipated and then it’s back to the drawing board! I do think it’s takes patience and diligence.

What would you say has been one of the major challenges?

The colour-matching, some colours are more complicated than others and as I mentioned, they can work in mysterious ways! But it’s a constant improvement process here in the lab.

Any other highlights you’d like to mention?

The opportunity to develop I would say. Trevor has instilled a great deal of confidence in me and I’ve been able to work on so many elements of the lab process. I want to build on this now and continue to perfect my expertise.

I’d also like to thank Aaron, my tutor,  once again. He’s been really supportive throughout, as has the whole Petrarch team.

We can’t finish without a little question on what you like to do outside of the lab?

Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing computer games and I love going to watch the football – I will always make time when Brighton are playing!

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself…

I actually studied animal husbandry at college!

Really? I won’t make any quips about how that has stood you in good stead 😉
Great speaking with you Jamie and the whole team wishes you the very best with your studies. 

‘It’s a privilege working with the Petrarch team.’

‘At Tiro, we’ve had the privilege of working with Petrarch for the past three years, supporting them in recruiting and training apprentices within their materials testing team.

It’s been incredible to see how Petrarch has embraced apprenticeships as a key part of their workforce strategy – passing on invaluable knowledge from experienced experts and ensuring a strong pipeline of future talent. The success of their apprentices (with one achieving a distinction at Level 3 and progressing onto a Materials Degree apprenticeship and another completing his Level 3 course in May 2025), is a testament to Petrarch’s commitment to developing people. With their current apprentice progressing brilliantly, and scope for more learners to join the team later this year, we’re excited to see Petrarch continue to make an impact on the next generation of laboratory technicians. This partnership is a great example of how apprenticeships can drive real business growth while providing young people with outstanding career opportunities.’  Hayley Hannaford

‘I have been working with Jamie, since he started his apprenticeship towards the end of 2023. Jamie has been a pleasure to work with, alongside his mentor, Trevor, and of course his company Petrarch. Jamie has been a brilliant example of how learning whilst at work should be done. We have had some great discussions about his learning and his evidence of this in line with his workplace and mentor, which has helped Jamie progress seamlessly through his Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship. Jamie has developed extremely quickly and clearly possesses an eye for detail and an ambition for progressing further. I feel he will do really well inthe future. Petrarch has always been a pleasure to work in partnership with and the team is always supportive in finding ways Jamie can develop further within his role and have really aided him in his apprenticeship programme journey to date. Keep up the great work Jamie!’ Aaron Dunne, TIRO Tutor

Patrick Golding, Operations Director, commends Jamie for his progress so far.

‘Well done Jamie. We are extremely pleased with all you have achieved so far and wish you every success in your upcoming assessment. We’re looking forward to seeing you fulfill these next important steps and realise your ambition in attaining your Level 3. I would also like to extend thanks to the TIRO team, both your tutor Aaron, and our account manager Hayley Hannaford.’

As always, we must add a little note regarding the TIRO team who have provided unwavering support throughout, for both our apprentices and our leadership team.

‘Tiro is the number one training provider for Science and Technology Apprenticeships.
For fearless scientists in the making who want to get out of the classroom.’

‘NAW 2025 encourages everyone to consider and celebrate how apprenticeships and skills help individuals develop rewarding careers, and employers to develop a workforce with future-ready skills. Together we will inspire the nation with engaging stories of apprentice and learner progression – sharing their increased confidence, skills, knowledge and how such programmes have kick-started incredible careers.’