FATHER and son Tony and Thomas Tutty both started as apprentices at the same place - albeit 29 years apart.

Tony Tutty first joined Broadheath coach builder Cartwright as an apprentice in 1985, while Thomas followed in his footsteps in 2014.

Tony has risen through the ranks progressing from supervisor to line supervisor to become production manager of Cartwright's coach building division.

Tony is hugely supportive of Cartwright's apprenticeship scheme, which he sees as crucial to ensuring that the right skill level remains in the company.

He said:"Developing new talent is essential in any manufacturing environment. In my own department, which largely specialises in building bespoke vehicles, a skilled workforce is vital. We are a small team and everyone plays a pivotal role in the build process.

"To now have the opportunity to train the youngsters coming through the apprenticeship programme to become good bodybuilders is of tremendous value to both me as a manager and the business as a whole.”

New recruit Thomas also shares his father's enthusiasm, although a career in engineering was not originally at the top of his list. His original ambition was to join the police force but due to the lack of an appropriate recruitment programme he took the decision to join Cartwright.

"I am surprised by how much I have enjoyed it," he said. "I learn something new every day and I can already see the opportunities which lay ahead. I now want to build my engineering skills and work my way up."

Tony has nothing but praise on how Cartwright treats both its apprentices and employees. "Cartwright is a true family business and it is an ethos which runs across the company fostering a sense of loyalty and commitment which creates a tremendous team spirit and fantastic working environment."

The successful apprenticeship programme has seen Cartwright taken on 40 apprentices year on year since its launch in 2012.