Ceramics Apprenticeships. Four Months In – Impacts Already Happening

Why Ceramics Apprenticeships Matter to Employers: Next Cohort Planning Meeting for 2027 is on-line on November 10^th at 10.00am. Join the April 2027 cohort

For ceramics employers, apprenticeships provide a practical way to develop skilled people who can contribute to the workshop while learning the specialist techniques and standards your business depends on. 1882ltd and Emma Bridgewater are already benefitting from the value their apprentices are bringing to their business.

James Munro, Production Manager at Emma Bridgewater, is delighted:

“The new ceramics craft apprenticeship is already having a positive impact by bringing employers and industry partners together around a shared challenge: protecting the specialist skills our sector depends on. The level of engagement across the industry has been particularly encouraging, with businesses openly sharing their needs, experience and ideas to help shape an apprenticeship that delivers real value.

At Emma Bridgewater, we may already have identified our next mould maker through this initiative. With our existing mould-making team approaching retirement, this creates a valuable opportunity to transfer specialist knowledge and strengthen our succession, workforce and future production planning.

This collaboration demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing the next generation of ceramicists. It provides a credible route into the sector while helping businesses preserve traditional craftsmanship and build the skills needed for modern ceramics manufacturing.”

So far, the apprentices at 1882ltd & Emma Bridgewater show their ability to select and use tools and equipment safely and effectively, including specialist equipment. They build practical making skills across techniques such as hand building, sculpting, throwing, casting and moulding, while learning to prepare and maintain their workspace, store materials correctly and follow quality assurance procedures.

The value of this training is demonstrated by the experience of Mark Marchant of MM Mouldmaking, who recently supported apprentices through an intensive plaster and mould-making placement.

Mark reported “excellent technical growth”, with apprentices demonstrating “strong adherence to safe working practices” and producing work to “a very good standard.”

Importantly, the training translated into tangible workplace skills. Every apprentice successfully produced a three-part block mould, with Mark describing the results as “quality, professional results” and an “impressive pace for their first time in a mould-making workshop.”

Katriona Cork of 1882ltd explains they already seeing the impact of their apprentice: “Our wonderful apprentice has already brought new ideas and approaches to the team, responding to live briefs with exactly the insight and creativity we hoped this apprenticeship would provide.”

It is an investment in both the apprentice and the future capability of your business. As Katriona adds:

“Without passing these skills on, our industry’s future is genuinely at risk. 1882 Ltd. was founded to champion Stoke-on-Trent’s rich ceramic heritage, and the best way to honour that mission is to pay it forward. By opening up access to these traditional craft skills, we make room for the innovation that will sustain us for another 100 years.”

September saw the apprentices learning more about raw materials through visits and workshops at Saint Gobains Formula, Global Ceramics Materials, Valentines Clays and Vibrantz Performance Coatings in Stoke and the wider Peak District.

The rest of the calendar year includes workshops in Computer Aided Design, Cutting Tiles, Sponging & Stamping and other skills apprentices need to learn to join the industry.

This ceramics apprenticeship is the first of its kind. The pilot is already demonstrating an impact and return for the vanguard employers. This initiative is supported by Ceramics UK who urge other ceramics employers to get involved in the April 2027 cohort.

“This apprenticeship has been years in the making, driven by the dedication of a committed group of people from across the sector. From 300+ applicants, three exceptional apprentices were selected and have already made a positive impact in their workplaces.

The Craft Technician Apprenticeship is helping to address a critical skills gap, equipping young people with specialist skills while preserving valuable knowledge that is at risk of being lost. It is also delivering real benefits for employers by developing the skilled workforce the whiteware sector needs for the future.

We encourage more companies to get involved and support this exciting initiative, helping to strengthen the sector and create opportunities for the next generation.”