Peterborough College Alumnus Shares Baker Perkins Apprenticeship Success For National Manufacturing Day

To mark National Manufacturing Day, former Peterborough College apprentice and Baker Perkins engineer Josh Dolby caught up with us to explain why he chose a manufacturing apprenticeship and why he believes more school leavers should consider vocational pathways into the industry.

Josh chose to kickstart a hands-on career through an engineering and Manufacturing apprenticeship with Peterborough College and International Engineering giant Baker Perkins. The decision proved transformative. 

By combining academic learning at Peterborough College with real-world experience at Baker Perkins, the former apprentice gained early independence, earning a wage while gaining an industry-recognised qualification without any debt. 

“Manufacturing is a hands-on industry; there are things you simply can’t learn from a book or in a classroom.’ Josh explained, ‘Being in a real working environment, learning alongside experienced engineers and being trusted with genuine responsibility from a young age built my confidence instantly. By the time I completed my apprenticeship and transitioned into my full-time role, I was already so used to the work that the pressure was completely taken off.” 

Josh went on to talk about the significance of days like National Manufacturing Day by saying: “I think days like National Manufacturing Day are important because they show young people the different opportunities that are available within the industry.” He continued: “Days like this can give people a better understanding of what a career in manufacturing actually involves and show that an apprenticeship can be a really good way to learn, gain qualifications and get valuable experience at the same time.” 

When asked if Josh had any advice for those considering an apprenticeship in manufacturing, he said, “Just go for it and don’t hang around waiting. You come out with a qualification, years of real workplace experience, practical skills and connections, all while earning money and building your career.” 

Baker Perkins and Peterborough College continue to collaborate to deliver industry-leading apprenticeships, equipping the next generation of engineers with the tools, trust, and practical experience needed to thrive in modern manufacturing.