The Challenge: Supporting Talent Through Uncertainty
As a leader in laboratory testing, YorkTest knows that skilled lab technicians are the backbone of their success. But finding and developing the right talent isn’t always straightforward.
YorkTest made a bold move – taking on a midway apprentice whose previous employer had let them down. While many businesses may have hesitated, YorkTest saw an opportunity to:
• Give the apprentice a second chance, ensuring their training didn’t go to waste
• Develop fresh talent from the ground up, nurturing future science professionals
But they needed more than just an apprenticeship provider. They needed a true partner – one that could support both the apprentice and the employer every step of the way.
The Solution: A Strong Partnership with Tiro
For the past three years, YorkTest has partnered with Tiro to recruit, train, and mentor apprentices in laboratory science.
• One apprentice successfully completed our programme
• One apprentice is now progressing to a degree-level qualification
But this partnership wasn’t just about skills development – it was about building confidence, unlocking potential, and creating real career progression
for the apprentices involved.
The Impact: A Win for Everyone
The partnership with Tiro and YorkTest has delivered significant and lasting benefits across the organisation.
One standout success was the transformation of a school leaver into a star-performing apprentice, demonstrating the power of targeted development and support. Through structured mentorship, the programme also helped an apprentice overcome confidence challenges, enabling them to thrive in their role.
Beyond supporting new talent, the initiative upskilled the existing workforce, reinforcing internal expertise and contributing to a stronger sense of professional recognition. Ultimately, this collaboration fostered a culture of learning and commitment, delivering value not just for the apprentices but for the business as a whole.
By investing in apprenticeships, YorkTest isn’t just helping individuals grow – it’s strengthening the company’s technical expertise, team cohesion, and future talent pipeline.
What YorkTest says:
“We have had an incredibly positive experience with our apprentice. The apprenticeship scheme through Tiro gives them a way of gaining formal qualifications to degree level whilst working full time. Our apprentice left school with few qualifications and has become a star performer in the lab but has struggled with confidence, and
Tiro have been incredibly supportive for both the individual and the employer. It works for us on several levels: skilling up our existing workforce,
recognising their skills, demonstrating commitment from both the employer and apprentice, and empowering those who wish to embark on a career in their chosen field. Tiro has supported both the apprentice and employer from day one.”
Robert Wilson, Laboratory Manager, YorkTest
Looking Ahead: Investing in the Future of Science
With one apprentice now progressing to degree level, YorkTest is proving that apprenticeships aren’t just about filling roles—they’re about shaping careers