Pressroom :: company bids farewell to employee after 50 years
Company Bids Farewell to Employee After Half a Century's Service
Trevor Cowell was just 15 years old when he reported for his first day’s work as an apprentice Sheet Metal Worker at Kershaw Mechanical Services’ workshop at the beginning of January 1962. “I was on time even though the snow was so thick on the ground I had to walk my bike the three miles to work” Trevor recalls. Fortunately for both parties, Trevor persevered and, after a long and distinguished career with Kershaw, is now about to retire after almost 50 years.
Trevor learnt his skills on the job, apprenticed to a workshop tradesman, and attended college one day a week to achieve a City & Guilds qualification. In turn, Trevor has trained many apprentices himself over the years, which is invaluable to the business and a responsibility he relished. “Nowadays we take young people on at the age of 18.” Trevor explained. “Kershaw works closely with Cambridge Regional College to offer apprenticeships and, just as I have experienced, candidates can hopefully look forward to a long term career with the company.”
Day-to-day, Trevor used his skills in the manufacturing of bespoke ductwork for large, building services installation projects. These run into the hundreds but, as Trevor explains, there are certain clients which stand out for him over the decades. “We did a lot of work on RAF bases in the 1960s, then Berni Inns and Steak Houses in the 1970s, new stores all over the country for Sainsbury’s in the 1980s and onto Cineworld Cinemas nationwide in the 1990s. “In the 2,000s to present day, we’re enjoying working for, amongst other long standing partners, the John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose.”
Although he is looking forward to retirement, Trevor acknowledges he will miss many aspects of his life at Kershaw including the camaraderie of the workshop and the physical nature of the job which keeps him fit. “I feel fortunate to have worked for the same company for nearly 50 years” said Trevor. “The management looks after its staff and I never, for a minute, thought about leaving - it’s been a very positive and rewarding experience.”
December 2011
For further information regarding this release, or to arrange an interview, contact Sarah Payne, PR and Marketing Officer on 01223 410600 or email Sarah.Payne@kershaw-grp.co.uk
