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At Acrospire, we firmly believe in the power of partnerships to nurture talent and build a skilled workforce for the future. With the introduction of our first apprentice, Callum Rogers, we’re embracing the power of apprenticeships to train a future generation of our business.
We sat down with the management team to discuss the journey so far, and it’s clear that bringing an apprentice on board has already begun to shape our approach to succession planning. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what an apprenticeship means for Acrospire and how it’s helping us prepare for the future.
Why apprenticeships?
At Acrospire, we’ve always valued practical skills alongside academic qualifications. While graduates bring in a wealth of theory and textbook knowledge, we believe the industry needs hands-on problem-solvers who are comfortable in both the workshop and behind a desk. This is where apprentices shine, offering a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience, aligning perfectly with our values and the needs of the industry.
For us, it’s not just about qualifications. It’s about attitude, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. When we met Callum, we knew he had the right mindset — eager to learn, get his hands dirty, and embrace the challenges that come with being part of a growing, dynamic team.
From Apprentice to Managing Director
Tim Baker, Acrospire’s Managing Director, has experience in the apprenticeship route. Starting as an apprentice himself, Tim can relate to the hands-on learning that apprenticeships provide. Initially, he wasn’t encouraged to pursue A-levels, but instead, he was sponsored by Linde, who make forklift trucks, where he received his early workshop training.
Tim’s journey didn’t stop there. After completing about 80% of his apprenticeship training, he decided to transition to an academic route, eventually earning an engineering degree. This blend of practical experience and academic learning paved the way for his leadership at Acrospire.
Tim shares, “Apprenticeship provided me with the foundation I needed to succeed in engineering. I started out in the workshop, and that hands-on experience has been invaluable to my career.”
Meet Callum: Our first apprentice
Callum, at just 19, is currently undertaking a four-year LV 3 BTEC Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. Enrolled at Basingstoke College of Technology, Callum spends one day a week at college learning the theory behind engineering, while the rest of his time is spent at Acrospire, gaining hands-on experience. His course provides him with an Ordinary National Certificate (ONC) qualification, and after two years, Callum will be ready to move on to the final stage of his apprenticeship.
As Callum settles into his role, he’s already making strides in the business. From getting involved with drawing requests to helping with assembly instructions, his confidence and competence are growing. Of course, like any apprentice, there’s a learning curve. But the management team is committed to supporting him every step of the way, ensuring he has the tools and guidance needed to thrive.
Callum’s apprenticeship journey: An interview
To get a better sense of Callum’s experience, we sat down with him to discuss how he’s finding his apprenticeship and what it means to him personally and professionally.
Q: Callum, what made you decide to pursue an apprenticeship?
A: I decided to pursue an apprenticeship because it offers hands-on experience and real-world skills that allow me to better improve myself and contribute to the engineering sector. I wanted to work on actual projects and gain the practical knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your apprenticeship so far?
A: The most rewarding part of my apprenticeship has been the real-world skills I have gained and the satisfaction I feel when a customer is happy with the work I’ve completed for them. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m making a difference with the tasks I’m involved in.
Q: How do you feel about balancing college and work life?
A: Balancing work and college life can be difficult, but it has taught me how to manage a workload. When I complete a task, it’s even more rewarding because I’ve learned how to juggle both responsibilities. It’s challenging, but it’s also helping me build my time-management skills.
Q: What skills are you most excited to develop over the next few years?
A: Over the next few years, I’m most excited to develop my technical skills in engineering, especially strengthening my problem-solving abilities. I know this will allow me to work at a more advanced level and collaborate more effectively with my colleagues.
Q: How do you see your role evolving at Acrospire after completing your apprenticeship?
A: After my apprenticeship, I plan to further refine my skills at Acrospire, take on more responsibilities within the company, and have more ownership over projects. I’m looking forward to contributing more and being part of the company’s growth.
The benefits of apprenticeships: Looking ahead
At Acrospire, apprenticeships aren’t just about filling immediate roles; they’re about long-term growth. The investment we make in training and developing apprentices like Callum today will pay off in the future. Not only are we building a skilled workforce, but we’re also investing in the future leadership of our company.
The apprenticeship programme also helps us prepare for succession planning. As we look ahead, we know that finding and nurturing the next generation of engineers is crucial to ensuring the continued success of the business.
A call for more apprenticeships in the lighting industry
The lighting industry faces challenges in encouraging a younger intake. Attracting young talent is essential for ensuring the future of the sector, and apprenticeships are an excellent way to engage and develop the next generation of skilled workers. Just as Tim Baker has demonstrated, starting out as an apprentice can lead to great things, and it’s an avenue that more young people should consider.
The future of apprenticeships at Acrospire
Our story
The idea for Acrospire was formed in 2012 when founder Tim envisioned a different kind of lighting manufacturer: one that would not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also prioritise fair treatment for its employees.
We’ve come a long way
Motivated by the belief the industry wanted and needed better, Tim shared his plan to establish his own venture with Hatty, who simply couldn't let him do it alone.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Protecting local jobs and ensuring the best quality possible.
Working from a rented office by day and assembling lanterns in a garage at night, Tim and Hatty set to work.
11 Years later
Acrospire now inhabits a 14000² ft manufacturing facility in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We’re a proud partner of the Made in Britain scheme, ISO9001 certified and a member of all relevant lighting industry trade bodies.
Along with great relationships with our customers and a great team! We've attracted some of the most experienced members of the lighting industry, all by following one golden rule.
A simple ethos
That runs through all that we do. Customers who have made the switch to Acrospire have found working with us to be a breath of fresh air.
If you’re a professional in the lighting industry, you’re probably familiar with warranties that range from 3 to 10 years, with extensions available on special request or at additional cost. At Acrospire, where we’re proud to be different, we offer a market-leading simple 12-year warranty, as standard.
We focus on our customers not our competition. We manufacture our products in the UK: with the exception of our solar products, our supply chain is within a 60-mile radius of our factory in Basingstoke: to maintain greater control over quality. We al
Speed of response is crucial when it comes to resolving warranty issues. If we’ve made a mistake, we own it, get to the root cause, and fix it as quickly as possible. We believe in timely communication with our customers and making the resolution pro
Test and Test Again
We believe in independent testing and certification. Our new product development is in line with ISO 9001. Many of our products hold ENEC Certification. To meet the requirements of ENEC we also send random product samples for third party safety testi
Our product design is another key factor in our ability to offer a 12-year warranty. We value engineer rather than cost cut, never compromising on quality. We stick to our processes and engage with our supply chain to ensure that every product meets