Two workers at Carlisle’s home of Nescafe’s frothy coffee are proud proof of the benefits of apprenticeships.
National Apprenticeship Week runs until February 15 and is a week-long celebration, bringing together businesses and apprentices to shine a light on the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
After nearly two decades on the job, Peter Longworth decided it was time for something new.
A long-serving employee at Nestlé’s Dalston factory in Carlisle, Mr Longworth completed a Level 4 Process Leader apprenticeship while working full-time, earning a distinction and a renewed sense of confidence.
He said: "I’d been in the factory for about 17 years and I felt like I had the knowledge and experience to take on more responsibility.
"I thought, if I don’t try, I’ll regret it. This felt like my chance to prove something to myself."
Mr Longworth, now a lead operator, is openly sharing his journey to encourage others to embrace new opportunities.
He said: "If you’re thinking about it, do it.
"Don’t let your past experiences put you off.
"Apprenticeships aren’t just for young people, they’re for anyone who wants to learn, grow and challenge themselves."
Nestlé’s Dalston site, known for producing Nescafé’s popular frothy coffee, runs apprenticeship programmes for both school leavers and existing employees.
National Apprenticeship Week runs until February 15.
Mr Longworth’s career spans nearly two decades in manufacturing, covering various areas of the production process.
Despite his extensive experience, he was initially hesitant about returning to education.
He said: "I hadn’t been in a classroom for a long time.
"School wasn’t a great experience for me, so going back into learning was a huge step outside my comfort zone."
The apprenticeship proved to be more than just professional development.
During his studies, Mr Longworth was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia, giving him clarity on lifelong learning challenges.
He said: "That diagnosis was a game changer.
"It explained so much about how I learn and why I struggled at school.
"The apprenticeship wasn’t just about gaining a qualification, it was a journey of self-discovery."
With support from Nestlé, his training provider, and family, Mr Longworth received extra study time and tailored learning resources.
He said: "The support was incredible.
"The college were brilliant, my colleagues made time for me, and the factory backed me every step of the way.
"I genuinely don’t think I would have got through it without that."
The apprenticeship also gave him a broader perspective on the business.
He learned about health and safety, leadership, communication, and time management, gaining insight into how the company operates beyond production lines.
He said: "It opened my eyes to things I’d never been exposed to before.
"I now understand both sides – what’s expected of the business and what’s expected of the individual."
This knowledge has shaped his leadership style.
He now leads his team with empathy, encouraging a supportive and collaborative approach.
He said: "I run my shift as a team.
"If something goes wrong, we deal with it together.
"That approach has made a real difference because people feel more relaxed and more supported."
Mr Longworth also uses his experience to promote workplace inclusivity.
He speaks openly about learning differences and mental wellbeing, hoping to empower others to seek help.
He said: "For years, I masked what I struggled with.
"Now, I talk about it openly because if it helps even one person, it’s worth it."
In his early fifties, Mr Longworth believes the apprenticeship has revitalised his career.
He has already applied for further learning opportunities and encourages others to do the same.
He said: "At my age, people sometimes think you’re done.
"But I feel like I’ve got more to give now than ever."
Another apprentice, Olivia Thomson, shares how creativity, curiosity and a passion for sustainability led her to a career she never expected and why apprenticeships can offer far more than a traditional degree route.
Ms Tomlinson, is a third-year Nestlé Packaging Degree Apprentice.
From reducing plastic use to implementing new packaging tech, Ms Tomlinson is currently leading projects that are helping to shape the future of packaging at Nestlé.
After finishing college, Ms Tomlinson wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do next.
She chose to complete a foundation art diploma, where she explored 3D design and worked with a wide range of materials.
She said: "I started thinking about the packaging behind the products I was buying.
"Why isn’t this recyclable?
"What happens to it when it’s thrown away?
"That curiosity really stuck with me.”
Those questions eventually led her to packaging and to Nestlé’s degree apprenticeship programme.
Aa packaging apprentice, she works across both renovation and innovation projects, focusing on improving existing materials and introducing more sustainable alternatives.
Her role spans everything from artwork approvals and master data to on-line trials, supplier collaboration and shop-floor problem solving.
She said: "One of the biggest benefits of the apprenticeship is the exposure you get so early on.
"You see the full end-to-end process, from an idea on paper to something physically running on the production line."
In her first year alone, Ms Tomlinson led the implementation of updated coding on Nescafé sachets as part of a major rebrand - a project she admits she never expected to take ownership of so early in her career.
She said: "I didn’t realise how much responsibility I’d be given.
"Being trusted to lead projects has been a huge confidence boost."
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