Championing the vital role of apprentices at iconsys

Apprentices play a pivotal role in building a skilled, motivated and future-ready workforce at automated technology specialist iconsys.

The award-winning company has past and present apprentices embedded at every level, and works closely with Telford College to develop a continuous pipeline of local talent.

As part of National Apprenticeships Week, the Stafford Park-based company is urging more employers to recognise the strategic value of ‘growing their own’.

Edwin Derry, director of engineering and innovation, started his apprenticeship 40 years ago this year. He said: “One of the most fulfilling parts of any job is to be able to put something back. Helping the next generation to come through is a very special and satisfying thing.

“I feel that apprenticeships have started to really kick in again and grow over the past few years, but the ethos is generally the same – get young people with the right talent and motivation embedded in a business as quickly as possible, to learn on the job.”

He added: “Hopefully the fact that we have people like myself who have come through the same apprenticeship route is an illustration of what is possible, and give them something positive to aim for.

“We’d like to see more diversity, though. For example, it would be nice to see more girls coming into engineering apprenticeships to give us a better balance. We’re doing a lot of work with local schools to raise awareness and interest.”

Jordan Tassell is head of sales for marine and ports at iconsys, and is also a former apprentice, studying electrical and electronic engineering. 

“My apprenticeship took me across many different aspects of a business including marketing, sales, safety and quality, and it helped me to identify where my best fit was. 

“I realised that sales, and the more commercial side of a business, was potentially the route for me. I’m a huge advocate of apprenticeships – apprentices can bring so much value into an organisation, bringing in new ideas and fresh ways of looking at things.”

Cliff Sedgley, director of production, did an apprenticeship four decades ago with ABB and joined iconsys 30 years ago, progressing through the ranks.

“I’ve always looked after manufacturing, and we’ve had many apprentices through,” he said. “It’s been great to see so many of them progress and grow within the business.

“For an employer, apprenticeships give you the chance to develop home-grown talent who really understand the business, and how it works. Training at the college, and on the job, gives them the best of both worlds so they learn and develop into well-rounded people.”

Rheon Paul and Ben Morris-Jones are among the latest intake of electrical engineering apprentices at iconsys, spending four days each week with the company and a day at Telford College. Both are hoping to eventually move onto degree-level apprenticeships.

Rheon, 21, a graduate of Holy Trinity Academy in Priorslee, has been studying with Telford College for five years, including vocational engineering and aviation courses.

“I wanted to get more hands-on experience and felt an apprenticeship would be the best way to go. I’ve been here for over a year now, and they do like to give you experience across all parts of the company, to develop a real understanding of what’s going on. I’m enjoying it.

“I love learning, and I love getting up in the morning and not knowing what I’m going to be doing from one day to the next. Every day here is different, which is great.”

Former Ercall Wood Academy student Ben, who is just over three years into the same apprenticeship, added: “Like Rheon I’ve appreciated the rotations around the business. I’ve done a couple of months with the hardware design team which I’ve really enjoyed. 

“It gives me an idea where I might see my career progress in the future. I knew I wanted to be working in industry, getting my hands dirty – that’s why I took the apprenticeship route. I’m glad I did. 

“You gain confidence in yourself, you learn teamwork skills, and I’m so happy about it. You’re always learning something new.”

Matt Riddell, 26, another former Ercall Wood Academy student, began his apprenticeship at iconsys in 2019 through Telford College, and has since moved on to become a hardware design engineer. 

“The main driver was to get real work experience at the same time as qualifications. These six years have gone really quick, and I feel my progress has been really good. 

“I was nervous when I first started, but the management team have been fantastically supportive. It really helps to know that so many of them have come up through the same apprenticeship route. Telford College has been a fantastic support all the way through too.” 

Jack Evans, 23, joined as an apprentice in 2021, just after the Covid lockdown, and is now a junior electrical test technician. 

“I’ve always been interested in engineering, and it’s been nice to come to a place that fosters learning and growth within its employees. The apprenticeship, and my role with the company since completing it has exceeded my expectations – and definitely helped me to grow as a person.”

Leaders at iconsys say the blend of practical experience, tailored training and long-term development has created a pipeline of confident, capable professionals who understand the business from the ground up.

Milissa Chesters, head of people and culture at iconsys, said: “Apprenticeships aren’t just about entry-level roles. They’re about building a culture of continuous learning and progression.

“Investing in apprenticeships is investing in your future. Our apprentices bring fresh ideas, energy and ambition — and in return, we give them the opportunity to build meaningful, long-term careers. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.”

Telford College describes iconsys as a model example of how apprenticeships can transform both individuals and organisations.

Beckie Bosworth, the college’s director of partnerships and employer engagement, said: “This partnership shows exactly what apprenticeships can achieve when employers commit to nurturing talent. 

“We see learners grow in confidence, capability and ambition – and we see businesses thrive because of it. When apprentices are supported to progress all the way to higher-level qualifications and leadership roles, the impact is extraordinary.”