Father and Son Join Cartwright Apprentice Scheme 29 Years Apart

Not only do Tony and Thomas Tutty work at the same place – they share something else in common – they both started as apprentices albeit 29 years apart.

Tony Tutty first joined Cartwright as an apprentice in 1985 and has risen through the ranks progressing from supervisor to line supervisor to become Production Manager of Cartwright’s bespoke coach building division.
Tony is passionate about what he does and says that the way he has progressed has been ‘the right way’.

He is hugely supportive of Cartwright’s apprenticeship scheme which he sees as crucial to ensuring that the right skill level remains in the company.

He commented: "Developing new talent is essential in any manufacturing environment. In my own department, which largely specialises in building bespoke vehicles, a skilled workforce is vital. We are a small team and everyone plays a pivotal role in the build process.

"To now have the opportunity to train the youngsters coming through the apprenticeship programme to become good bodybuilders is of tremendous value to both me as a manager and the business as a whole.”

New recruit Thomas also shares his father’s enthusiasm, although a career in engineering was not originally at the top of his list. His original ambition was to join the police force but due to the lack of an appropriate recruitment programme he took the decision to join Cartwright.

"I was surprised by how much I have enjoyed it," he said. "I learn something new every day and I can already see the opportunities which lay ahead. I now want to build my engineering skills and work my way up."

Tony has nothing but praise on how Cartwright treats both its apprentices and employees. "Cartwright is a true family business and it is an ethos which runs across the company fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment which creates a tremendous team spirit and fantastic working environment."

The Cartwright apprenticeship programme, is one of the most ambitious in the industry. It has been a resounding success with retention rates well above the average. It is one which will ensure that Cartwright maintains the necessary skill sets required to drive the business forward.

Indeed it has been so successful that not only has Cartwright taken on 40 apprentices year on year since the launch of the scheme in 2012, they have committed to a further intake this August.

Peter Cartwright, Group Chairman, Cartwright commented: “The apprenticeship scheme is about securing our skill base for the future and Tony and Thomas demonstrate this perfectly.

“Since we launched the programme in August 2012 the apprentices have progressed through the company, developing new skills and are now further progressing their careers.

“Not only have they developed enormously they are making a real impact and are now a key part of the Cartwright team.”