Apprentices learning the metal ropes

Former employee Colin Pass has been able to name most of his pals who worked in the sheet metal maintenance department, but there is one surname missing.

On the back row, from the left, are John Brunskill (apprentice); Len Seddon (wearing a flat cap); Fred Elcock (with a trilby/pipe); and Peter Hill (apprentice).

Middle row, Maurice Miller; Colin Pass (apprentice); Michael Bowes (apprentice); and Ivan Hosker.

Front row: Leo (wearing a beret); John Nelson and Freddie Shorrock.

Colin recalls his days as an apprentice there, where he visited many factories doing repairs.

He says: “The photograph was given recently to me by my ‘man’ Maurice Miller and was taken in the sheet metal maintenance department of Leyland Motors, South Works, from around 1962 to 1964.

“There are four apprentices in the picture who have already spent one year in the Apprentice Training Centre, and now are assigned to a skilled sheet metal worker, for a period of approximately three years.

“These were good years for the apprentices. In this period, they would go all over the different factories repairing or making exhaust pipes, extraction ducting/pipes and machine guards.

As a result, climbing ladders, walking on roofs and climbing in roof rafters was an everyday event, and you relied on your ‘man’ for good guidance.

“After this period the apprentices spent their time in different production departments until they reached 21.

“Leyland Motors Ltd had its own further education school where apprentices could go on day release, or go to Bolton or to Preston for further education.

“These apprentices took advantage of this chance and moved on to other jobs later on.”