National Apprenticeship Week is a perfect moment to spotlight the people behind the roles, the skills behind the work, and the journeys that shape careers. At Camper UK, apprenticeships are designed around practical capability, confidence building, and real-world experience not just qualifications.
This week, we spoke with Ryan and Jacob about their apprenticeship experiences, what they’ve learned, and how their development has taken shape while training with Lincoln College.
Meet Jacob – Two Years Into His Apprenticeship Journey
Jacob is currently two years into his apprenticeship, combining hands-on workshop experience at Camper UK with structured study at Lincoln College.
When asked how the experience has been so far:
“Yeah, it’s been good. Learnt different skills that come into life as well.”
That idea learning skills that immediately apply in real situations captures one of the most powerful aspects of apprenticeships.
Jacob described the most valuable areas of development as broad and practical:
“All sorts of vehicle and maintaining vehicles in different ways.”
Like Ryan, Jacob highlighted the social and cultural benefits of the workplace:
“Made loads of mates. Everyone’s quite helpful and very welcoming.”
Supportive environments are critical to apprentice confidence and long-term progression, particularly in technical workshop settings.
Looking ahead, Jacob’s ambitions remain focused and pragmatic:
“Continue on at Camper UK and learn more.”
Meet Ryan From Technician to Woodworking Apprentice
Ryan’s route into an apprenticeship reflects how career progression often evolves naturally within the workplace.
When discussing his experience, Ryan noted the balance between college learning and workshop realities:
“I found it okay. Some parts were a little bit difficult due to what my work environment is like and what I was learning in college. But when I was at college, I learnt a lot of different skills and machinery skills and techniques that will help me in the future.”
Ryan completed his apprenticeship over 18 months, training in woodworking and furniture making while studying at Lincoln College. Like many apprentices, adapting theory and structured learning to the pace of a busy workshop was part of the growth process.
When reflecting on the most valuable skills he developed, Ryan highlighted core craftsmanship techniques:
“I found the most valuable skills have been to do with either cutting, glueing, and finishing.”
Beyond technical ability, Ryan also emphasised the workplace culture:
“My favourite part would be learning different skills and probably building relationships with everybody that I work with.”
Interestingly, Ryan did not initially join Camper UK as an apprentice:
“I was initially working at Camper UK as a technician, and management approached me with an apprenticeship opportunity in woodworking and furniture making. I said yes.”
This reinforces an important reality: apprenticeships are not limited to school leavers they are also powerful upskilling pathways for existing employees.
Now that his apprenticeship has finished, Ryan has transitioned seamlessly into full-time workshop life:
“I’m finding it good. It’s just a normal working day every day. I don’t think I’ll so much be making furniture as most of it is already pre-built. But I just carry on doing my job every day.”
Apprenticeships at Camper UK – Practical Learning with Lincoln College
Apprenticeships at Camper UK are built around applied learning, real workshop exposure, and continuous development. Partnering with Lincoln College ensures apprentices gain structured education alongside the realities of day-to-day industry work.
These pathways help develop:
- Job-relevant technical skills
- Practical problem-solving ability
- Confidence in live working environments
- Long-term career foundations
Most importantly, learning doesn’t stop at qualification completion. Whether progressing into specialist trades or expanding technical expertise, apprenticeships create momentum rather than endpoints. National Apprenticeship Week is ultimately about recognising that careers are shaped through experience, adaptability, and willingness to learn, qualities both Ryan and Jacob demonstrate every day within the Camper UK workshop.
For any questions about apprenticeships at Camper UK, please contact [email protected]
