What is it like to be an apprentice at RPL?
Hear from some of our current apprentices about what it is like working at Ricoh UK Products Ltd (RPL) in the Apprenticeship Programme.
Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Conor Petford
"The apprenticeship programme at Ricoh UK Products Ltd has allowed me to extend my academic journey beyond A-Levels. The dynamic programme has not only provided me with invaluable specialist support, but also grants me the flexibility to dedicate time from my workweek for lectures. In addition to my academic study, I have been fortunate enough to be actively involved in a diverse range of workplace projects in my short time here at RPL. These experiences have enabled me to collaborate with my colleagues and cultivate industry-specific competence; something I believe is not typically attained through a traditional degree."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Eve Redden
"During my time as a Technical Apprentice at Ricoh UK Products Ltd, I have worked with a variety of different departments to develop my skills in all aspects of engineering. I have had the opportunity to work on projects in each area and contribute in a meaningful way. Mentors are more than willing to answer any questions I have had and make me feel like part of the team. I am also working towards a HNC in Mechanical Engineering. My time at RPL has been incredibly valuable and I look forward to what the future holds."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Kieran Rowley
"I am doing undertaking a 4-year apprenticeship in Technical Engineering. In parallel, I attend Shrewsbury College and am working towards finishing my apprenticeship with a Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering. The apprenticeship programme is helping me learn a lot about Ricoh itself, but also teaching me principles that can be used in engineering for future tasks and roles. I have also developed core skills such as leadership, communication, and timekeeping. RPL is a very friendly environment and the apprentice scheme they have to offer is very well structured."
Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Cameron Buick
"Joining Ricoh UK Products Ltd as a Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprentice has helped me greatly in expanding my knowledge and skills, as I further my career in the hopes to become a fully qualified engineer. It has given me experience and exposure to what life is like working as an engineer on different manufacturing tasks and projects, and allowed me to develop my understanding of engineering as a whole. RPL is a great place to work full of knowledgeable and supportive employees."
Moulding Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Harrison Felton
"I am currently on a Moulding Engineering Apprenticeship with Ricoh UK Products Ltd, which involves both close involvement with on-site projects, as well as offsite learning, contributing to Level 2 & 3 qualifications in Mechatronics. Being an apprentice at RPL is a fantastic gateway into both further education and professional work experience. You are treated as a member of the team and are constantly learning and improving through support and encouragement from your peers, tutors, and seniors."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Joshua Wynne
“During my time as an apprentice at Ricoh UK Products Ltd, I have gained a wealth of skills and knowledge through the many opportunities provided, allowing me to flourish as a Maintenance Engineer. I have also been able to work alongside many experienced engineers which has helped greatly in my development. I look forward to continuing my apprenticeship with RPL and developing my skills further.”
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2022)
Kian Beasley
“Since joining Ricoh UK Products Ltd, I have definitely developed many skills and responsibilities. Having independence but knowing help is always available is great. Already within a short time, I have completed a range of different tasks within my Craft Engineer role and have been given a high amount of opportunities to show my personal growth. This has all been completed with the guidance from experienced engineers. I look forward to continuing the development of my skills and responsibilities.”
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Adam Briggs
"During my time as an apprentice at Ricoh UK Products Ltd, I have had lots of opportunities to enhance and present my skills and learning through the support of my mentors. I have also been able to develop myself as a person by improving my communication and teamworking skills through attending a variety of jobs in various departments, with highly skilled and experienced engineers. I have enjoyed many aspects of the apprenticeship such as getting to know everyone within the organisation and being able to rotate departments and gain an insight into all the different areas of the business."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
George Chadwick
"I am a Craft Engineering Apprentice at Ricoh UK Products Ltd and am studying towards my Level 3 Engineering course at Shrewsbury College. My notable achievements so far include receiving Merit and Distinction qualifications. I previously studied at Telford College where I furthered my interest in engineering, and I completed my Level 3 Engineering Foundation Diploma."
Finance Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Daniel Hayward
"I am currently working through my 4-year apprenticeship programme in Finance. I attend Kaplan Financial College for my CIMA studies as I work through my exams. I started my apprenticeship only months after finishing my A-levels, so the programme allowed me to begin building up crucial experience in the workplace. I have been involved in some exciting tasks and projects so far and gained valuable knowledge in all aspects of the Finance Department. I am also provided with lots of support from my mentors and colleagues in both workplace tasks and studying, and I’m given the appropriate time and space to focus on exams when needed. I look forward to widening and developing my existing competence and knowledge in the department as I progress through my apprenticeship."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2023)
Lewis Heeley
"I'm currently in my third year of a four-year apprenticeship with Ricoh UK Products Ltd, and it's been an incredibly rewarding journey so far. Over the past two years, I've had the opportunity to develop my skills across different areas of the business, gaining valuable hands-on experience and insights into the world of engineering. After successfully completing my Level 3 Engineering course at Shrewsbury College, I'm now working towards my NVQ and HNC in Electrical Engineering. I'm excited to continue progressing, deepening my technical knowledge, and contributing to RPL’s innovative environment."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Leon Nelson
"I am currently doing a Level 3 Technical Engineering Apprenticeship at Ricoh UK Products Ltd, attending Shrewsbury College 3 days a week and working on site the rest of the working week. I’m in my second year now at RPL, and I have learnt a lot during my time here, such as CAD design, additive manufacturing troubleshooting and processes, toner and subassembly lines machine maintenance and ISBM and injection moulding processes. I would highly recommend doing an apprenticeship with Ricoh to gain the real life experience and knowledge of engineering topics. Furthermore, the skills I will continue to learn at RPL and College will aid me in my future aspirations and goals."
Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Mike Litwin
Joining Ricoh UK Products Ltd through the Degree Apprenticeship programme has helped me develop professional skills while studying advanced concepts at university. Working alongside experienced colleagues has given me valuable insights into the various technologies and strategies used in software engineering. I look forward to furthering my development and taking on new responsibilities at RPL.
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2024)
Zach Clarke
"I am currently doing a 4-year Craft Engineering Apprenticeship. After attaining my qualifications at college, I wanted to carry on with my engineering experience, so finding this apprenticeship here at Ricoh UK Products Ltd has been a great follow-up for me. During my education days at Shrewsbury College, I am studying a Technical Engineering course. Working alongside experienced engineers here is great for me, as I can gather information from their past experiences which can also help me in the future. I look forward to experiencing new jobs and taking on new responsibilities during my time here."
Technical Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2025)
Ben Mason
"I am currently undertaking a Technical Engineering Apprenticeship, which involves three days at college and two days at Ricoh UK Products Ltd each week. My studies are helping me develop key engineering skills that I can apply and refine in the workplace. I’m looking forward to rotating through different engineering roles within the business, gaining hands-on experience, and contributing to a variety of projects. My goal is to grow as an engineer, build my expertise, and make a valuable contribution to RPL."
Business Compliance Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2025)
Lois Cooksey
"The apprenticeship programme at Ricoh UK Products Ltd has provided me with the chance to enhance my skillset by engaging in practical work alongside my academic studies, allowing me to expand my knowledge. I am currently enrolled in the Business Compliance Apprenticeship while also attending the University of Staffordshire, where I am pursuing a Chartered Management degree. Additionally, I have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals in this field, which enables me to thrive in this department as I build relationships with them and gain valuable insights that will benefit my future career. RPL fosters a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making the work experience much more enjoyable and reassuring."
IT Degree Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2025)
Ryan Yueng
"Starting at Ricoh UK Products Ltd as an IT apprentice has been a smooth and informative process, with welcoming members and colleagues guiding and supporting me. The team ensures that you are not overwhelmed with information as you begin, but they give a detailed explanation as to what you will be doing and how you will do it, whilst also including you as part of the business and involving you in activities so you can see the value of your work. Additionally, I will am attending the University of Staffordshire to further develop my skills and to earn my Level 6 Bachelors Degree."
Craft Engineering Apprenticeship (Year Started: 2025)
Jesse Mooney
"Being an apprentice at Ricoh UK Products Ltd is an incredible experience which gives you a great insight into what it’s like to work at a leading manufacturing site. Coming into the company as an apprentice was the perfect way to start my career as an engineer, and it has really helped me envision how I want my career with RPL to progress."
