Gloucester-based Tomcat creates pioneering solutions to help children and adults with learning or sensory impairments to cycle.

Gloucestershire College is Tomcat's engineering apprenticeship training provider.

The company's trikes provide occupational and lifestyle aids which remove barriers for people with disabilities to enjoy and safely explore the world outside, no matter what their challenges.

Tomcat's ground-breaking inventions and their commitment to changing the world of special needs cycling was recognised in 2013 and in 2021 by The Queen's Awards, which are given to UK businesses for outstanding achievements.

Bob Griffin, founder, and managing director at Tomcat, said apprentices are very important to the business.

"We hire apprentices to create engineers of the future. Our apprentices are expected to gain knowledge of all aspects of the business from practical skills such as machining, fitting, welding etc to technical and administrative skills such as technical admin (drawings, work orders, stock management, health and safety, purchasing, customer service, assessment, marketing and sales)."

The company provides career progression paths for apprentices, with some going on to become managers, as they have the required in-depth knowledge and understanding of the business.

Mr Griffin continued: "Our company has a strong reputation within local communities and when we hire an apprentice, we look for enthusiasm for engineering and learning ability in the first place - there is a lot to learn and master. We also look for other soft skills, including confidence, responsibility, honesty, flair and ambition."

To other businesses thinking of recruiting apprentices, he said: "Take your time to find the right person for your business. Vocational and artisan training talent pool might be smaller compared to talent pools at universities, but a master's degree in philosophy will rarely create new jobs and new industries - dirty hands, essential trades, vocational training and ambition just might!"

Gloucestershire College can help support businesses with apprenticeships, whether they are looking to upskill or retrain existing employees or recruit a new apprentice, email employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk or call 01452 536400.