Pictured: Lilli-Mae Broadhurst, 2024 Apprentice of the Year at the BWF Awards
National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is here, and there’s no better time to celebrate the incredible impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and industries like woodworking and joinery. Too often viewed as a second choice to university, apprenticeships offer a unique and powerful path to success – one that blends hands-on experience, personal development, and financial stability.
Why choose apprenticeships over university?
For many, the allure of apprenticeships lies in the "earn while you learn" model. Unlike university students who often graduate with significant debt, apprentices benefit from financial independence and gain valuable, real-world experience from day one.
According to the Association of Apprentices’ Big Apprentice Survey 2024, 74% of apprentices ranked gaining work experience while earning a qualification as the most valuable aspect of their training. This dual benefit equips them with practical skills and a strong career foundation, setting them apart in competitive job markets.
For the woodworking and joinery industry, apprenticeships are particularly crucial. These programmes provide opportunities to master technical craftsmanship while working on real projects – experience that university courses simply can’t replicate.
Spotlight on current apprentices: Lilli-Mae Broadhurst
One apprentice who has embraced the opportunities offered by the woodworking and joinery sector is Lilli-Mae Broadhurst, currently undertaking a Sales Administration Apprenticeship at Gowercroft Joinery. In 2024, she was named Apprentice of the Year at the BWF Awards, a testament to her dedication and achievements.
Reflecting on her experience, Lilli-Mae said: "There were many factors that led me to choose an apprenticeship in the woodworking and joinery sector. The main one being the huge amount of opportunity to progress in different ways within the sector and the wide range of routes available. I was also drawn to this particular pathway because of the sustainability aspects.
"Throughout my apprenticeship, I have massively developed my communication and problem-solving skills, which will play a huge part in progressing within my career. I would advise anyone to start an apprenticeship in the woodworking field, as the industry is filled with incredibly supportive individuals and allows young people to be creative in their learning while benefiting the environment through their work.
"My time at Gowercroft has completely transformed how I view the woodworking industry. I once imagined it as something similar to my granddad's workshop, but being behind the scenes, I’ve discovered the innovation, advanced high-tech machinery, and forward-thinking approach that truly defines this sector.
"The thing I love most about working in the joinery sector is the people I work alongside every day and the opportunities it provides to build new relationships.”
A career choice for everyone
Apprenticeships are not just an alternative to university – they’re a choice for everyone, from school leavers seeking hands-on training to those looking to upskill or transition into a new career. For businesses, they’re a chance to shape the future workforce and bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm into their teams.
