Dudley, UK — February, 2025
At Industrial Valves, we take pride in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2025 by recognising the remarkable contributions of our apprentices. Apprenticeships are essential to our workforce, granting young talent hands-on industry experience while facilitating their growth into skilled professionals.
This year, we highlight the journeys of our three apprentices—Aran Patal, Thomas Wilkins, and Kieran Rock—who have all made exceptional progress in their respective roles. Their dedication and hard work are testaments to the value of apprenticeships in developing the next generation of industry professionals.
Aran Patal, 20 – Apprentice Sales Engineer
Aran has been with Industrial Valves for 14 months. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning about the water industry, valve technology, and customer service. His enthusiasm for the industry is evident, and he is eager to continue his career there.
“My apprenticeship with IVL has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained extensive knowledge of the water industry and the technical aspects of valves and actuators. This experience has reinforced my passion for the field, and I’d highly recommend the valve industry as a career path for other young professionals. A special thanks to Juniper Training for their support and guidance.” – Aran Patal
Sales Manager Adrian Haynes has been impressed with Aran’s growth:
“Aran consistently exhibits an exceptional work ethic and an intense eagerness to learn. He has swiftly assimilated industry knowledge and company procedures and possesses outstanding customer service skills. He is a valuable team member, and we eagerly anticipate his continued progress.”
Thomas Wilkins, 24 – Apprentice Sales Engineer
Before joining IVL, Thomas held various roles without a well-defined career path. He has developed a strong foundation in valve applications, ERP system management, and procurement processes through his apprenticeship.
“I am grateful to IVL and Juniper Training for offering me a structured career path. I have learned a great deal—from understanding valve types and applications to the technical aspects of ERP system management. This apprenticeship has been an excellent experience, and I look forward to building my future here.” – Thomas Wilkins.
Adrian Haynes has seen remarkable development in Thomas:
“When Thomas joined us, he was quiet and uncertain of himself. Over time, he has developed into a confident and capable team member, vital to our daily procurement activities. His expertise in our ERP system and meticulous attention to detail have rendered him an invaluable asset to the business.”
Kieran Rock, 20 – Warehouse Apprentice
Kieran joined IVL with no prior experience in the valve or water industry. Since starting his apprenticeship, he has gained essential hands-on skills, from forklift operation to assembling and testing electrically actuated valves.
“I’ve gained much during my apprenticeship, from selecting and packing live orders to testing actuated valves. Acquiring my forklift licence and visiting sites to observe our valves in operation has been an invaluable learning experience. I look forward to further developing my skills.” – Kieran Rock.
Production Manager Tom Hartshorn commended Kieran’s progress:
“Kieran has made remarkable progress in his apprenticeship. Securing his forklift licence was a significant milestone, and he has acquired invaluable experience through practical training. His enthusiasm and learning eagerness make him a tremendous asset to the warehouse team.”
The Importance of Apprenticeships at IVL
Apprenticeships provide young professionals an incredible opportunity to develop practical skills while earning valuable industry qualifications. At Industrial Valves, we are committed to investing in the future of the water and valve industry by providing structured learning experiences that help apprentices grow into skilled professionals.
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2025, we wish to recognise the hard work and dedication of Aran, Thomas, and Kieran. Their journeys underscore the significance of apprenticeships in nurturing talent and securing the ongoing success of our industry.
We encourage anyone considering an apprenticeship to investigate the opportunities available in the valve industry—it’s a fulfilling career path.
