{"id":5536,"date":"2025-09-29T08:06:57","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T08:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petrarchpanels.com\/?p=5536"},"modified":"2025-09-29T08:06:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T08:06:57","slug":"petrarch-welcomes-two-new-tiro-apprentices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petrarchpanels.com\/us\/petrarch-welcomes-two-new-tiro-apprentices\/","title":{"rendered":"Petrarch Welcomes Two New TIRO Apprentices"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Please<\/span><\/div>

Petrarch Panels Welcomes Two New TIRO Apprentices<\/h2>\n

PLEASE SAY HELLO TO EMMA LITTLETON-WALKER\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please join me in welcoming Emma to our Petrarch Apprentice Team. Emma, our TIRO Level 3 Lab Technician Apprentice has recently joined us and is already making a great impact in our busy Petrarch Panels Lab.<\/p>\n

Lovely to meet you Emma, welcome to the Petrarch Apprentice Team. How are you finding it? Tell us a little about how an average day looks like for you.<\/strong>
\n\u2028\u201cIt\u2019s been great so far, I\u2019m really enjoying it. There isn\u2019t an average day in the Petrarch panel lab! No two days are ever the same. Most of my day is spent testing, under the guidance of Jamie. I spend a lot of time testing finished products against numerous criterium: water absorption, balancing raw materials, and especially colour matching.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

You mentioned colour-matching. What makes this so interesting?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2028\u201cColour is fascinating because it\u2019s so subjective! Everyone perceives colour differently depending on lighting, texture, or even mood. One challenge we had recently was trying to match a \u201cmossy brick\u201d sample. Which part do you match, the moss, the brick, or somewhere in between! Another current project involves replicating the look of a sandblasted, bevelled panel. The client wanted a smooth finish, but the original has this speckled, ridged effect, so we had to experiment with ways to mimic that. Having a physical sample to work from always makes things easier than relying on an image.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That sounds creative as well as technical. How do you keep track of all the colours and tests?\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOrganisation is key. We codify and record every colour to streamline the Petrarch sampling process. That way, developing new samples for the colour lab becomes smoother. We\u2019re also working on standardising recipes across the lab team, which will make everything more efficient and ultimately ensure perfect Petrarch samples are going out, every time!\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

What kind of new developments are happening in the Petrarch lab?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2028\u201cThere\u2019s continual investment happening, all aimed at ensuring consistent quality control. We have a new tensometer and sieve shaker and I\u2019ve also been involved in reorganising the lab – to help make it all more orderly.”<\/em><\/p>\n

How did you end up in this field Emma, is it something you always wanted to do? \u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cActually no, my background is a little different! I managed my family\u2019s business; Hastings Sewing Centre, helping to drive it forward as their manager. I also have a degree in music, and play violin and sing, with a couple of gigs each week. I guess though it\u2019s not obvious initially there is a link with music, as hitting precise notes translates when it comes to the precision needed in material surface development and hitting exactly the right tones.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What specifically inspired you to become a lab technician apprentice with TIRO?\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMy nephew and stepchildren played a big part. My stepson loves Minecraft, and there\u2019s an experimental mode in the game where kids get to learn about elements, neutrons, and molecules. Seeing that really sparked my curiosity about chemistry, and I thought, why not explore this as a career?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

And how has your experience with TIRO been so far?\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHonestly, it\u2019s been brilliant. The mentors are so encouraging and supportive – always there when you need them. The online system is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the learning plan lays everything out clearly, from on-the-job assessments to online courses. I\u2019ve already finished my first module and even started working on elements that aren\u2019t due until March or April, so I feel like I\u2019m making great progress.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, what do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI love the variety, one moment I\u2019m analysing strength and stability, the next I\u2019m creatively solving colour challenges. It keeps me on my toes and makes every day engaging. There are challenges, of course, but I like that!<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/span><\/div>

SAY HELLO TO HARRY O\u2019CALLAGHAN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Please also join us in welcoming Harry to the team. Harry has recently joined Petrarch Panels as a Level 3 Data-Driven Professional Apprentice.<\/p>\n

Welcome to the Petrarch Apprentice Team Harry! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. <\/strong>First of all, can you explain what a Data Driven Professional Apprenticeship actually consists of?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt encompasses so many things! If you think about it, data is everywhere and in an age where AI is advancing, being able to manage and handle data effectively is an enviable skill. This particular apprenticeship is an 15-month course aimed at teaching people like me, how to work confidently with data: from spotting patterns, creating clear reports, to sharing insights that help the business make better decisions, all while gaining hands-on experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Why did you choose to study this apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so comprehensive and diverse, and that really appealed to me. It allows me to interact with all parts of the business, working with different teams and seeing how everything connects. A big part of my role is making sure samples go out in a professional fashion, and I enjoy being trusted with that responsibility. I\u2019m also heavily involved in managing enquiries for the Downer Framing team too.<\/em><\/p>\n

What stood out to me was the nature of the company itself. Its sustainable values are really important to me – as a company that creates its Petrarch panels from by-product crushed marble and stone. It feels like I\u2019m part of something that isn\u2019t just technically interesting but also environmentally responsible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That\u2019s great to hear. So would you say that was the initial pull, aligning with a company whose values align with your own?<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Yes absolutely. When I saw the write-up on TIRO\u2019s website the nature of Petrarch Panels really appealed to me.”<\/em><\/p>\n

How are you finding the experience so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI am really enjoying it. It\u2019s busy, but I thrive on that! Every day feels different. One moment I might be analysing data, the next I\u2019m working with a different team to ensure things run smoothly. I feel like I\u2019m constantly learning, not just about data but about the business as a whole.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Sounds like no two days are the same! What\u2019s been the biggest challenge for you so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTime management. Balancing coursework with day-to-day tasks can be tricky, especially when things get hectic. But I\u2019m learning how to structure my week better and break tasks into manageable chunks. The support from my tutor, Adam (who is super supportive) and my colleagues, like Juan, who is an absolute legend, and Sandie, who is helping me to be more structured; has all made a big difference too.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That\u2019s a common challenge for apprentices, but it sounds like you\u2019re finding ways to make it work. What skills do you feel you\u2019ve developed most since starting<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say confidence in handling data and communicating across teams. I\u2019ve gone from just observing to actively contributing. Having that exposure has helped me understand the bigger picture and improved the way I approach problem-solving.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

So it\u2019s not just technical skills, but also collaboration and communication?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What are you enjoying most about the apprenticeship?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe variety. No two days are the same, and that means it\u2019s engaging. I like the sense of responsibility too. When samples go out looking professional, I feel proud to have played a part in that. And the fact that the work is tied to sustainability makes it more rewarding. I have also been learning things about Excel that I never knew possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Where do you see yourself going next?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to keep progressing. Level 3 is a solid foundation, but I\u2019m already looking ahead to Level 4 and beyond. My long-term goal is to build both my technical skills and business knowledge so I can contribute even more to the company.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That\u2019s great to hear Harry. And finally, what about outside of work, what do you like to do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m really into computer science and enjoy creating games and coding. I guess there is a clear link there with data appreciation and hopefully I\u2019d like to continue experimenting and developing those talents outside of work.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Say<\/span><\/div>

AS WELL AS TAKING THE TIME TO WELCOME OUR NEW APPRENTICES, WE ALSO CAUGHT UP WITH JAMIE LAU<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of our Apprentice Series, we caught up once again with Jamie Lau. If you\u2019ve been following Petrarch Panels news you will know that Jamie is now a fully-fledged Lab Technician and is about to embark in earnest on Level 6, a programme that incorporates Levels 4, 5 & 6 (equivalent to a BSc (Hons).<\/p>\n

Say hello (again) to Jamie Lau.<\/strong>
\nWith two new apprentices joining the company, we\u2019re quickly becoming something of a beacon for TIRO. Having recently introduced Emma and Harry, it seemed only right to share a progress update from you too Jamie!<\/strong><\/p>\n

How is everything going?<\/strong>
\n\u201cIt\u2019s very busy! At the moment, there are so many samples coming into the lab that I\u2019m relieved my studies don\u2019t officially kick off until next week.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

That\u2019s good timing then. Although your online coursework begins imminently, have you had the chance to speak with your new tutor? How are you finding this year\u2019s approach?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, I have. My personal tutor this year is Will, and he\u2019s already been invaluable in showing me how to structure my offline learning. He\u2019s just as supportive as Aaron was.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What do you mean by offline learning?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs well as learning on the job as a lab technician, I also have to complete 1,000 hours of offline study, learning that isn\u2019t part of my day-to-day lab experience. That includes webinars and, hopefully, attending Surface Shows when time allows.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What\u2019s the biggest challenge you\u2019re facing right now in terms of achieving your learning objectives?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAs always, it\u2019s structuring my time. When the lab is as busy as it is currently, with so many samples, it\u2019s hard to justify stepping away for structured learning. But I know I\u2019ll have to at some point.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Has Emma\u2019s arrival as an Apprentice Lab Technician helped ease that pressure?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, absolutely. She\u2019s already made a huge difference to the workload. I\u2019ve been training her on how to prepare samples, colour-match to specific examples, and get them ready to send to customers. We\u2019ve recently refined this process as part of our ISO Certification, introducing an additional quality control phase ensures the Petrarch panel samples we send out are always on-point.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Are there any new lab developments you can share, or is it all top secret?<\/strong><\/p>\n

“We\u2019ve been enhancing our colour-matching process for customers. It\u2019s always easier when we have a physical sample to work against, but that\u2019s not always possible!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

What are you enjoying most at the moment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say the colour work. It\u2019s challenging but so rewarding when you nail the exact tone a client is after. And having another apprentice alongside me has really improved my day-to-day work experience.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

I hear the Petrarch Panels lab has also had some investment in new equipment?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right! We\u2019ve added a couple of new pieces of kit: a Tilias Olson tensometer, which tests tensile strength. It\u2019s an impressive bit of equipment. The brand has been around since the 1880\u2019s and is apparently the gold standard in material testing. We\u2019ve also got a new sieve shaker. It\u2019s fantastic to see investment going back into the lab.\u201d<\/p>\n

And in terms of your long-term goals \u2013 you\u2019re still as focused as ever on pushing your studies as far as they can go?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cFor sure. Ultimately, I\u2019d like to complete a Master\u2019s in Material Science and continue developing with Petrarch. The support I\u2019ve had from the team, from Trevor, our consultant chemist, Dave in lab support, and Patrick, our Operations Director, has all been amazing. It\u2019s such an encouraging and motivating environment. And now, with Emma on-board to share the workload, everything feels that much more achievable.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

We also had the opportunity to catch up with Patrick Golding, our Operations Director, who had this to say about Jamie’s progress:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Jamie continues to impress with both his positive, pro-active approach to his work and interactions with colleagues and in terms of the outcomes he achieves. It\u2019s been a pleasure to see Jamie interact with Emma our new TIRO Level 3 Apprentice and step easily into a mentorship role, supporting her in her learning and passing on his knowledge. It is my expectation that as Jamie continues to grow in his knowledge and experience, he will also grow in his importance to the business and the future development of our product; I look forward to continuing working with him on helping achieve his professional goals to the benefit of both him personally and to Petrarch as a leading provider of architectural panels.”<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Say<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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