National Apprenticeship Week: Tyler’s Journey at Howardson Group Ltd

Howardson Group Ltd is proud to support the development of future engineering talent through structured apprenticeships that combine practical learning with real-world experience. To mark National Apprenticeship Week, the business is sharing the journey of Tyler Burton, who joined the company as an apprentice in 2022 and has since secured full-time employment as a Paint Shop Operative within its British manufacturing facility.

A Practical Start
Tyler began his apprenticeship in September 2022, spending one day a week at college alongside four days gaining hands-on experience at Howardson Group. Coming from a farming background, he was keen to pursue a practical route into engineering rather than full-time classroom study.
When asked why he chose Howardson Group, Tyler explains:
“My dad, a local farmer, knew Ian Howard, the owner, and knew the company was a really successful local business on our doorstep that cared about its staff and offered real opportunities for career progression. I also knew they were on the world stage, selling mowers and equipment all around the globe.”

Discovering a Passion in the Paint Shop
Tyler initially worked on the rotary mower line, building a broad understanding of the business and its production processes. When given the opportunity to experience different departments, he chose the paint shop and quickly became a valued member of the team, working on the preparation and finishing of components for Dennis and SISIS commercial turf machinery.
“I loved being able to earn money while learning,” Tyler says. “I’ve learned how to paint, use the wash plant, fit bushes, read technical drawings and improve processes. Understanding how to design and formulate a process, and even how to write standard operating procedures (SOPs), has been amazing and a great learning curve for me, as well as an enjoyable one. I’ve also learned about quality control, health and safety procedures, teamwork, problem-solving, time management and how to use advanced machinery and tools efficiently.”
Like many apprentices, Tyler faced challenges, including working safely with complex machinery, maintaining high quality standards under production deadlines, adapting to new technologies and manufacturing methods; and adjusting to earlier starts than school. However, these challenges were balanced by the rewards of earning while learning, developing practical engineering skills and taking pride in his work.
“I’m proud knowing that almost every bit of machinery we send out has been sanded, painted, or worked on by me. It’s really nice to know you have contributed so much to the business and the machines that are used all around the world,” he adds.

A Supportive Environment and Career Progression
“Howardson Group has very much a family atmosphere. The staff are friendly and supportive, which made my transition into the business smooth and enjoyable,” Tyler says.
His apprenticeship provided a clear pathway into full-time employment, which he has now successfully achieved. Tyler’s experience highlights how apprenticeships can equip young people with practical skills while supporting long-term careers in British engineering and manufacturing, particularly within the commercial mower, turf preparation and turf maintenance machinery sector.
Tyler recommends apprenticeships to anyone looking to combine structured learning with hands-on experience and develop a professional career in engineering, manufacturing and surface maintenance equipment; from commercial mowers and turfcare machinery to precision grinders used in mower and turf machinery maintenance.