National trade body Ceramics UK is highlighting a new apprenticeship programme tailored to the whitewares sector, alongside new financial incentives for employers announced by the UK government.
The Craft Technician apprenticeship was launched earlier this year by the team at Emma Bridgewater, which joined forces with fellow manufacturers across Stoke-on-Trent, with support from Ceramics UK and Skills England, to set up the training scheme, delivered by Creative Alliance.
Now, the industry is gearing up to take on a second cohort of apprentices in April 2027 with Creative Alliance hosting a meeting for ceramics employers outlining the UK’s government’s new youth employment support, which includes a £2,000 incentive for eligible SMEs recruiting apprentices from 1 October.
The session will also set out the achievements of the three apprentices currently engaged with the scheme, as well as exploring how apprenticeships can support business development while preserving specialist skills.
This collaboration demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing the next generation of ceramicists. It provides a credible route into the sector while helping businesses preserve traditional craftsmanship and build the skills needed for modern ceramics manufacturing.
James Munro, Production Manager, Emma Bridgewater
James Munro, Production Manager at Emma Bridgewater, said: “The new ceramics craft apprenticeship is already having a positive impact by bringing employers and industry partners together around a shared challenge: protecting the specialist skills our sector depends on.
“The level of engagement across the industry has been particularly encouraging, with businesses openly sharing their needs, experience and ideas to help shape an apprenticeship that delivers real value.
“This collaboration demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing the next generation of ceramicists.
“It provides a credible route into the sector while helping businesses preserve traditional craftsmanship and build the skills needed for modern ceramics manufacturing.”
The first cohort to undertake the apprenticeship have learned practical skills and techniques including hand building, sculpting, throwing and casting, as well as taking on an intensive plaster and mould-making placement with Mark Marchant of MM Mouldmaking.
The training has also encompassed safely using tools and equipment, maintaining their workspace and following quality assurance procedures.
Catriona Cork of 1882 said: “Our wonderful apprentice has already brought new ideas and approaches to the team, responding to live briefs with exactly the insight and creativity we hoped this apprenticeship would provide.
“Without passing these skills on, our industry’s future is genuinely at risk. 1882 was founded to champion Stoke-on-Trent’s rich ceramic heritage, and the best way to honour that mission is to pay it forward.
“By opening up access to these traditional craft skills, we make room for the innovation that will sustain us for another 100 years.”
Over the past four months the apprentices have learnt about raw materials through workshops hosted by Saint Gobains Formula, Global Ceramics Materials, Valentine Clays and Vibrantz Performance Coatings in Stoke-on-Trent and the Peak District.
They will also study computer aided design, cutting tiles, sponging and stamping as part of the first-of-its-kind scheme for the industry.
Rob Flello, CEO of Ceramics UK, said: “The ceramics sector has not had a dedicated training scheme that encompasses such a broad range of skills and study across the whole spectrum of manufacturing since the closure of the YTS scheme in 1990.
“The Craft Technician apprenticeship has already provided tangible benefits, and we know that the sector as a whole is looking to plug skills gaps and nurture a new generation of talent in the Potteries and beyond.
“The programme provides vital support to employers, developing people who can work safely and have the required skills for the job, while maintaining professional standards.”
Ceramics UK is working in partnership with the ceramics industry to further develop the apprenticeship and is hosting a meeting with Creative Alliance on November 10 for businesses in the sector looking to recruit apprentices in April 2027.
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