This week marks National Apprenticeship Week, a time to recognise the value of apprenticeships in building careers, developing skills, and securing the future of industries across the UK. At John Mason International, we are proud to champion apprenticeships as a vital part of our business and the broader removals and logistics sector.
Why Apprenticeships Matter to John Mason International
The removals and logistics industry has faced recruitment challenges for years. Too often, companies rely on short-term fixes like poaching staff from competitors or using temporary workers. But this approach only recycles the same pool of talent without bringing in new skills or investing in the future.
At John Mason International, we believe apprenticeships are the solution. They allow us to bring in fresh talent, train them properly, and give them the hands-on experience they need to succeed. Apprenticeships aren’t about filling roles temporarily—they’re about creating skilled professionals who know the business inside out and will drive our industry forward.
As our owner Simon Hood put it during an interview with BBC Radio Merseyside this week: “If we don’t start training young people properly, in a few years, there won’t be anyone left who knows how to do the job. Apprenticeships are key to the future—not just for our company, but for the entire industry.”
How Apprenticeships Provide Real Opportunities
An apprenticeship is more than just a job—it’s a career path. Unlike university, where young people often spend years studying before gaining real experience, apprenticeships offer immediate, practical training while earning a wage.
Simon knows this firsthand: “I wasn’t academic at school. I scraped through and eventually made it to university after a BTEC. And my first job after getting my degree? Dressing as a shark mascot at a Sea Life Centre. Meanwhile, my mates who did apprenticeships were already earning decent money and moving up in their careers. Apprenticeships give young people a head start.”
At John Mason International, our apprentices receive:
– Proper training to ensure they have the skills needed to succeed.
– Mentorship from experienced staff who share their knowledge and expertise.
– Opportunities to grow within the company and build long-term careers.
The Role of the BAR and Our Commitment to Change
As proud members of the British Association of Removers (BAR), John Mason International fully supports the new industry-specific apprenticeship scheme launched in August 2024. This programme, designed by an industry group including BAR and non-BAR companies, offers structured training for new and existing staff and will be officially launched at a parliamentary reception in March.
The scheme provides a minimum of 12 months of training, clear career progression from Porter to LGV Driver and Transport Manager, and helps professionalise the removals industry. Delivered by TRS Training and overseen by BAR for quality control, it ensures apprentices receive top-tier training while offering employers a reliable development framework.
BAR Director General Ian Studd highlighted the importance of this investment: “It is imperative for businesses in our sector to engage with apprenticeship standards and invest in career development opportunities if we are to close the skills gap and compete with other industries. John Mason International is leading by example, and I wish them and their apprentices every success.”
Meet Our Apprentices: Sonny and Dawid
In January, Sonny Harrison, 18, joined us as a Removals Operative Apprentice and is already making an impact: “These qualifications will help me do whatever I want to do in the future. I know I’m setting myself up for success.”
Dawid Romanowski, 20, completed his International Freight Forwarding Specialist Apprenticeship in 2024. After struggling to find work post-university, he joined John Mason International and is now a full-time member of our team: “I’ve worked in places that called themselves ‘one big family,’ but here at John Mason, it really does feel like that. We rely on and support one another.”
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for the Future
Simon Hood believes that apprenticeships are the only way forward: “We’ve got a choice: train young people now or run out of skilled workers in the future. At John Mason, we’re choosing to invest in young people. Apprenticeships are the future, and we’re proud to be leading the way.”
This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re not just celebrating the apprentices we’ve trained—we’re committing to training the next generation. With the support of BAR and our ongoing efforts, we’re ensuring that the removals and logistics industry continues to thrive, one apprentice at a time.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship in the removals and logistics industry, or want to learn more about how John Mason International supports young talent, get in touch with us today.