10th February 2025
Two innovative British wheelchair companies celebrate the National Apprenticeship Week 2025 by showcasing how their apprentices have had a positive impact on their businesses.
The annual National Apprenticeship Week takes place this year from the 10-16 February. The week brings together everyone passionate about apprenticeships and skills to celebrate the value, benefit, and opportunity that they bring.
With the emphasis this year on ‘Skills For Life’ the Mountain Trike Company and Loopwheels, two innovative British manufacturers in the wheelchair sector who share the same values, shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships have had on each of their businesses as they profile and showcase their apprentices and the skills they have developed.
Both companies have a passion for making the outdoors accessible for all - the Mountain Trike Company design and manufacture all terrain wheelchairs which enable users to travel off-road in comfort and safety offering freedom and independence to explore the great outdoors and Loopwheels design and manufacture suspension wheels for wheelchairs which reduce vibration and offer a smoother ride which can reduce fatigue and back pain, and lead to greater independence.
Profile:
Ellis Waring, Assembly Technician, The Mountain Trike Company
Company:
Mountain Trike Company, manufacture and design all terrain wheelchairs from their premises near Nantwich, Cheshire. Each wheelchair is bespoke made and hand finished and shipped to customers and organisations globally. The unique wheelchairs are designed using many components similar to those found on a mountain bike, air suspension provides a comfortable ride and hydraulic brakes for a safe ride knowing the brakes won’t fail in any weather. These award winning wheelchairs are suitable for a range of riders, spanning various age groups and disabilities.
Apprenticeship Type:
2 year Engineering Operative Apprentice
1 day at college / 4 days work placement
Feedback from Ellis about his apprenticeship:
“The apprenticeship route has been a really successful path for me, allowing me to use my theoretical knowledge learnt at college practically in the work place. Working for a small business also has its benefits as I get more of an insight into other areas of the business allowing me to see the bigger picture beyond just Engineering. I have now completed my apprenticeship and was delighted to have been offered a permanent position at Mountain Trike. This post-16 apprenticeship choice was perfect for me enabling me to not only gain my engineering qualification but move forward with my career gaining valuable experience in the workplace. Still by far the best part about the job for me is watching the freshly painted frame arrive into the workshop and then be transformed into something that can change someone’s life. This for me is truly amazing.” Ellis Waring, Assembly Technician, The Mountain Trike Company Ltd
Outcome:
Ellis completed a 2 year Engineering apprenticeship gaining his Level 3 engineering qualification and is now employed at The Mountain Trike Company as a Production Technician and continues his career development with the company.
Feedback from Mountain Trike:
“Ellis joined the Mountain Trike Company as part of the apprenticeship scheme in the summer of 2021 and immediately I was struck with his enthusiasm and ability to learn. Ellis is a keen mountain biker so was familiar with many components that the Trike uses which certainly helped with the engineering aspect, but Ellis was also keen to understand more about the manufacturing process. His professional development has gone from strength to strength, he has developed our MRP system, designed and produced 3D printed jigs, fixtures and now production parts. He has a refreshing approach and exemplary work ethic and I’m excited to watch him develop now he is a permanent valued member of the team. As an organisation we are keen to nurture new talent and the apprenticeship scheme is key to that.” Tim Morgan, Managing Director, Mountain Trike Company Ltd
Profile:
Ellie James, Digital Marketing Assistant, Loopwheels
Company:
Loopwheels manufacture wheels for wheelchairs with integral suspension, which is provided by carbon composite springs within the wheel rim. The springs absorb shock and vibration, helping reduce the risk of developing back pain and fatigue from over-exposure to whole body vibration. Loopwheels are designed and made by hand in North Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands and are now supplied to some 20 countries around the world.
Apprenticeship type:
Digital Marketer (Integrated) Degree Apprenticeship - BA (Hons)
42 month (3 ½ year) Block Release
Feedback from Ellie about her apprenticeship:
“Since beginning my apprenticeship at Loopwheels, I have been afforded the unique opportunity to blend academic knowledge with real-world experience. This way, I have been able to apply new skills and knowledge to my day-to-day responsibilities. I am looking forward to learning more as the course progresses and being able to see the positive impact that new knowledge can have here at Loopwheels.”
Outcome:
Ellie joined Loopwheels in July 2024 and began her degree course in September. Both Ellie and the company benefit from all the latest digital marketing skills and knowledge that Nottingham Trent University can provide, and apply these to the real life case study of marketing Loopwheels in the UK and to international markets.
Feedback/Quote from Loopwheels:
“Recruiting an apprentice has been one of the best business decisions we made in 2024! Right from Day 1 with Ellie, we felt the positive impact from the additional resource of a new intelligent, well-informed, highly motivated and committed team member, specifically on our digital marketing, but also more generally in our team. Ellie has hit the ground running, and the contribution she makes to our business is real and impactful. And will surely only improve as she progresses through her degree course!” Gemma Pearce, Loopwheels Managing Director
Both organisations have benefited from being part of the apprenticeship scheme which include some of the following areas:
If your organisation or as an individual you are interested in learning more, then search apprenticeship opportunities through the government website or learn more through the annual apprenticeship week:
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/
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