“Our Apprenticeship Academy houses an established programme of apprenticeships across our divisions. These are a great alternative to traditional study and provide the opportunity to earn while you learn, whilst acquiring practical on-the-job skills from work colleagues along with an industry recognised qualification on completion. We welcome a cohort of apprentices every year and are proud to train the next generation.”
JOE MCTIERNAN
HR Manager
T H WHITE has always offered apprenticeships. Our apprentices are important contributors to our business and fundamental to both our future and the futures of the communities and customers we serve.
Becoming a trainee with us is a great alternative to full-time study at college or sixth form and allows you to earn while you learn, gain on-the-job skills and experience working life. Our apprenticeship scheme is open to school leavers aged 16 and over and usually runs for 4 years.
We work with high quality colleges to offer comprehensive and practical apprentice schemes. Our partner Colleges include Writtle University College, Reaseheath College and Pershore College, as well as other leading providers.
We have a dedicated Apprenticeship Academy which runs across most of our business divisions and provides a huge range of learning experiences and qualifications to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career. You’ll get to work alongside our expert team every day, who are there to help you and encourage your personal development.
We also offer all divisional apprentices additional training which includes:
- Specialist product training from suppliers
- Forklift operation
- Grinding
- Welding
- Health and safety
The T H WHITE apprenticeship scheme has an exceptional success rate and we’re delighted that many of our graduates choose to stay and progress with us. In fact, it’s how many of our department heads started their careers. Our trainees go on to a huge variety of roles – from sales and management to technical roles such as Master Technician.
Throughout your time with us, you’ll be well looked after by our friendly expert team who will support you to fulfil your potential.
Read more about the opportunities in each of our divisions below and please get in touch with Sam Robson our Apprentice Specialist, if you need any further information.
OUR APPRENTICESHIPS
T H WHITE Group apprenticeships leading to industry qualifications in:
AGRICULTURE
About T H WHITE Agriculture: No one understands agriculture like we do, we’ve been serving the farming community since 1832.
We are one of the largest agricultural machinery dealers in the UK, specialising in machinery supply and maintenance. We sell new and used machines including tractors and harvesting machinery, tillage and cultivation equipment. We are proud to be the official dealer for market leading brands including New Holland, Case IH and Honda. And we don’t just supply machinery, we also provide parts, expert servicing and repairs for our customers. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: You’ll combine both on-the-job practical experience and college study. You’ll get day or block release to attend college to gain your Agricultural Engineering qualification for 3 years, which provides hands-on training as well as traditional learning. There is also the opportunity to gain specialist product training from our suppliers.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Typical future roles include qualified engineer, Master Technician, workshop supervisor, service manager, sales and parts advisors.
Tom Traynor
Agricultural Apprentice
I’ve almost finished my Level 3 Agricultural Engineering apprenticeship with T H WHITE. So far, I’ve gained many new skills and I’m still learning new things every day. I’ve been very well looked after by all the team, as they constantly support me and ensure I’m secure in my learning. I’ve worked on various jobs, both on my own and with my work mates – one of my favourite jobs is working on gearbox rebuilds as it gives me great self-satisfaction.
Other tasks I enjoy include PDI’s on all sorts of machines, servicing tractors, balers and combines, fabrication tasks, diagnosing, and finding faults on different machines. I highly recommend an apprenticeship at T H WHITE – it’s a well-established company which offers a friendly working environment. Once I have finished my apprenticeship, I want to stay on as a fully qualified technician and work towards being a master technician.
PROJECTS
About T H WHITE Projects: We have built a reputation as a market leader in designing, engineering and building agri-food dry bulk processing and storage. Our team is made up of technical engineers with a focus on service who ensure our projects are delivered right first time, every time.
The projects we work on are wide ranging. As well as industrial large grain storage projects, we also work on smaller farms and agricultural schemes plus industrial, commercial and engineering programmes. We provide bespoke fabricated steelwork solutions such as platforms, towers and gantries. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: We provide on-the-job practical experience and support to study for an industry recognised qualification. You’ll get day or block release to attend your college course. Projects apprentices study for a three-year NVQ programme in Mechanical Engineering. The course includes the use of both 2D and 3D design packages. On the job learning gives you the chance to gain useful business skills and get involved with everything from project proposals to sales and marketing, project planning and design engineering.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Our Projects apprentices continue into positions which include Project or Design Engineer.
GROUNDCARE
About T H WHITE Groundcare: We provide sales, parts, service and hire of new and used groundcare and forestry equipment to professional users. We are main dealers for leading brands including Ransomes, Jacobsen, Iseki, Wiedenmann, Wessex, Amazone, Kawasaki, Ferris and Spider.
Our customers rely on our team’s groundcare expertise and expert service, and we have won many accolades over the years. T H WHITE has a wealth of groundcare experience, with some of our team members celebrating over 30 years with us, so as an apprentice, you’ll be learning from the best. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: On the T H WHITE scheme, you’ll combine both on-the-job practical experience and studying for an industry recognised qualification. You’ll get day or block release to attend your college course. You will study for an NVQ in Landbased Engineering over 3 years. You can also benefit from supplier-led specialist product training, along with registration on the Land-based Technician Accreditation scheme.
You will gain on the job practical experience with training in electronic and hydraulic systems and maintaining grass cutting heads on various machines. If you like getting out in the fresh air, this could be the apprenticeship for you, as you will also get the chance to work on and off-site at customer locations – which include private estates, golf courses and local authorities.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Our groundcare trainees can progress into a variety of roles, from qualified groundcare machinery engineer to positions in sales or parts departments.
James Smith
Groundcare Apprentice
I am currently in my third year of a Groundcare apprenticeship, part of a 4-year course in land-based engineering. The block release course at Pershore College, Worcestershire allows me to learn in a practical work environment, with several weeks of college study each year. I primarily work on Ransomes, Iseki and Jacobsen machinery brands in the Knockdown workshop, and my duties include machine servicing or diagnosing faults and issues.
The age and diversity of machine models mean no two days are the same and I’m excited to familiarise myself with the new technologies, particularly electric machines. I work with direction and guidance from colleagues as part of a team – but I’ve also been able to work independently which helped build my confidence and problem-solving capabilities. My colleagues are very patient and supportive. It’s a great work environment and an ideal place to grow.
DAIRY
About T H WHITE Dairy: We support dairy farmers by providing innovative tailored solutions. Our division uses specialist tools and automated technology to enable our customers to yield better quality milk and higher profits. We supply and maintain equipment for milking, tanks and refrigeration, electrical installations and slurry handling.
We are an official agent for DeLaval – the leading specialist in dairy equipment and milking technology. We are the main UK agent for the unique AirWash Plus teat dip and rinse system. We also design and install milking parlours, livestock control systems and slurry handling systems. We use cutting edge CAD facilities for design planning to ensure the best solution for our customers. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: We combine practical experience with study for an industry recognised qualification. You’ll get day or block release to attend your college course. The course will provide practical training and you can choose to study towards one of two NVQs which last 3 years: – NVQ in Refrigeration – alongside developing skills in servicing, repairing and installing bulk milk tanks – NVQ in Electrical Engineering – learning how to install electrical equipment and voluntary milking systems in milking parlours, as well as carry out tests and inspections.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Our trainees go onto positions such as qualified engineer, sales and supervisory roles along with development into managerial roles.
LORRY CRANES
About T H WHITE Lorry Cranes: This division trades as Palfinger UK and we have been the official importer of Palfinger lorry cranes for over 30 years.
Palfinger UK is a great place to learn your trade as it’s a major player in the industry and the largest national lorry crane provider. We offer everything from in-house assembly to bespoke body building and servicing for the entire equipment lifecycle. We offer our customers national coverage and support through our premises across the UK – we have impressive workshops and offices in Bradford, Devizes, Leicester and Falkirk. Our locations include specialist body building facilities, crane mounting bays, technical design teams, as well as parts, service and repair departments. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: You’ll benefit from an engineering scheme with a final qualification in Engineering Operations and the opportunity to progress to a higher-level apprenticeship afterwards – as well as lots of hands-on experience.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Palfinger trainees progress into a wide variety of roles, everything from welders and fitters to electricians and body builders, customer service staff and design engineers.
George Maddox
Palfinger UK Apprentice
I am several years into my apprenticeship with Palfinger UK (the Lorry Crane division of T H WHITE) and have been made to feel really welcome by everyone around me in the company and in the workshop.
Throughout the apprenticeship, I have had a range of opportunities to learn new skills, working on different crane fitting jobs and helping with the fabrication processes. Being at T H WHITE, not only am I working towards a qualification but I’m also gaining lots of hands-on experience. The initial years have been a real eye-opener in terms of learning how sophisticated the fitting process is whilst also enjoying myself, being a part of a great working environment.
CONSTRUCTION
About T H WHITE Construction: We have been serving the construction industry for over 40 years.
We have established partnerships with global construction manufacturers including Develon, Manitou and Mecalac who share our focus on innovation, design and the customer. We are leading suppliers of a range of construction equipment – including telescopic forklift trucks, access equipment, excavators, dumpers, rollers and pavers.
We offer a complete expert service to ensure our customers get the best equipment for their project and budget. We help with everything from consultation and sourcing, right through to first class maintenance. And our business is growing – we now cover nine counties from North Somerset through Oxfordshire to Shropshire. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: You’ll benefit from on-the-job experience and studying for an industry recognised qualification and you’ll get get day or block release to attend your college course. The course in Land Based Engineering which lasts 3 years, will also provide practical training.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Our trainees go onto roles including Parts Advisor and Service Technician, with plenty of opportunity to develop their careers further.
ENERGY, FIRE & SECURITY
About T H WHITE Energy, Fire and Security (EFS): We are one of the region’s leading contractors and we’ve been in the industry for over 25 years. Our mission is to make our customers’ buildings greener, safer and more efficient – for generations to come.
We specialise in the design, build and maintenance of fire alarms, security systems, CCTV, access control systems, system monitoring, call-out support and maintenance. We are also OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicle) approved installers of electric vehicle charging systems and provide a range of commercial electrical services to support all sizes of businesses. Find out more here.
What our apprenticeship offers: Our energy, fire and security pathway enables our trainees to gain a qualification in alarm design and installation insert any specific course name/type over x years of study. We install systems into commercial buildings ranging from schools and retail outlets to high security establishments. That means you will have the opportunity to work with our experienced engineers and gain a huge range of practical experience. We also partner with the leading industry manufacturers which enables you to attend their training courses.
Roles the apprenticeship can lead to: Our EFS trainees develop into roles such as installation engineer, designer, technical sales and service engineer.
Connor Moseley
Energy, Fire & Security Apprentice
I started with T H WHITE Energy, Fire & Security as an adult trainee to re-train in an ever-changing profession. I am currently completing a Level 3 Emergency, Fire and Security Systems Technician Apprenticeship at Yeovil College. The EFS division is an amazing team to be a part of, with everyone going above and beyond to support me through my qualification journey.
As a team member, I’m involved in numerous large projects and my installation knowledge grows every day. I would 100% recommend applying for an apprenticeship at T H WHITE to anyone looking for an apprentice pathway. It can definitely give you a strong and stable future. I look forward to completing my course, continuing to develop myself and growing within the T H WHITE Group.
LATEST APPRENTICESHIPS
OUR EXCITING ROLES
We offer a range of brilliant apprenticeship opportunities across every one of our business divisions. You can earn while you study, and you’ll gain an industry recognised qualification to set you up for a successful career. You’ll benefit from plenty of hands-on experience, working alongside our people who are the best in the business. See what our apprentices have to say about the scheme.
Success Stories
Mark Harlow, started his career with T H WHITE back in September 2000 and followed a very successful apprenticeship pathway. He was unsure exactly what he wanted to do, but knew he wanted an apprenticeship. The opportunity to learn a trade whilst earning some money was appealing to him. He was also reassured by many people that T H WHITE had a good name in the area and he should go for it. It was slightly amusing that everyone he spoke to assumed he would be working on tractors rather than fire and security!
The three years of the apprenticeship flew by for Mark, and the variety of work was exciting with job satisfaction guaranteed. As he gained more experience, he was asked to run some of the larger projects with multiple engineers present and worked with some of the new apprentices. He progressed as Project Manager, Installation Manager and finally into his current role as Operations Manager for T H WHITE’s Energy, Fire & Security Division.
MARK HARLOW
EFS Operations Manager
A lot of our Groundcare customers near our Knockdown branch will know Matthew Buffham, one of our Groundcare technicians. It has been 17 years since Matthew stepped through the doors of T H WHITE Groundcare to eagerly start his Land Based Engineering apprenticeship at Knockdown. His technician role includes regular servicing, preventative maintenance and diagnostic testing for fault-fixing. Since then, he has worked on plenty of different machines from a whole raft of suppliers including Ransomes, Iseki, Wiedenmann, Ferris, Wessex and more. One of his favourites being the Jacobsen Eclipse hybrid model because of its advanced ease of fuel to electric switching. The variety and team have kept Matt excelling in his technical career with T H WHITE.
MATT BUFFHAM
Groundcare Service technician
Back in 2022, Agricultural Sales Representative Andy Taylor celebrated 40 years of working for T H WHITE. Aged 16, he started a four-year engineering apprenticeship at our Knockdown depot. After ten years in the Sherston workshop, Andy’s potential talent in sales was spotted.
On the very day that Andy Taylor reached his 40 year tenure, his postman delivered a pack of literature promoting retirement home living. “Well, I’m not ready for that,” Andy laughed, “but one of my customers did remark that I might be better off just checking into the local abattoir!” That lighthearted approach typifies a generosity of spirit that has made Andy a popular figure on the regional agricultural scene for the last four decades, as well as achieving the status of being one of T H WHITE’s most successful salesmen.
ANDY TAYLOR
Sales Representative
I started my T H WHITE agricultural journey in July 1988 as a 16 year old apprentice, working my way through training as an Engineer, to New Holland MasterTech Technician and Group PLM Specialist. Then in the last 5 years, adding Service Manager at Marlborough to my credentials. I’ve seen so many changes since I started – electronics were only just starting to be fitted when I joined, and we now have computer controlled tractors today with fully autonomous on the horizon.
I still enjoy coming to work every day as there’s always something different each day. I have always worked with a great team of people at T H WHITE, who have supported me throughout my career as not only work colleagues but friends as well.
ANDREW COLLIER
Agriculture & Construction Service Manager
Speak to our Apprentice SpecialisT
If you would like to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at T H WHITE Group please contact Sam Robson, Group HR Coordinator via sam.robson@thwhite.co.uk
