Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025

This week marks?National Apprenticeship Week 2025?(10th – 16th February), a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and the wider economy. As Managing Director of Surgical Holdings , I’ve seen first-hand how vital apprenticeships are—not just for our business, but for the future of our industry.

It’s safe to say that without apprenticeships, there would be no Surgical Holdings. All of our senior technical managers began their journeys as apprentices, starting as young as 15. They’ve grown with the business, absorbing the skills, knowledge, and values that have shaped their careers and, in turn, our company.

Many people assume that surgical instrument manufacturing and repair is purely engineering-based, but the truth is, it’s a craft-focused skillset. Apprenticeships have been the perfect training ground for this—pairing skilled technicians with eager trainees who learn by observing, practising, and gradually honing their craft. Over time, these apprentices become invaluable contributors to the business.

Right now, we have two apprentices and one trainee at Surgical Holdings, each following a comprehensive training programme. Over five years, they’ll learn the intricacies of repair and manufacturing, with their responsibilities—and salaries—growing as they progress. At the end of their journey, they’ll not only receive a completion certificate but also formal qualifications from our local technical college.

With the government’s increasing focus on achieving net zero and fostering a circular economy, apprenticeships are more important than ever. Repairing devices instead of replacing them is a key part of this initiative, and developing skilled personnel to carry out these repairs is essential. Apprenticeships play a pivotal role in this shift. In the medical devices sector, apprentices quickly learn the skills needed to repair equipment that might otherwise be discarded—but to make a real environmental impact, we need to scale this up significantly.

Recently, I attended a Careers Carousel at Southchurch High School for Year 8 students. It was a fantastic chance to showcase some of the cutting-edge surgical devices we manufacture and repair, and to discuss new technologies in the field. More importantly, it was an opportunity to highlight the diverse career paths within the medical devices industry—from practical, hands-on apprenticeships to roles in office administration.

Administrative apprenticeships are just as crucial as technical ones. They offer a solid entry point into the medical devices industry and can be a stepping stone into roles in Sales, Quality, or Sustainability—all vital areas that support the sector beyond manufacturing.

So, if you’re considering your career options, don’t assume apprenticeships are limited to practical or technical careers. They can be the first step on an incredible journey, opening doors to a wide range of opportunities. You never know where an apprenticeship might lead—just look at our senior managers here at Surgical Holdings!

Apprenticeships aren’t just about learning a trade; they’re about building a future—for individuals, for businesses, and for the planet. Let’s continue to invest in the next generation of makers and fixers to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for all.

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