KuhnOdice UK’s Luke Hatherly shares apprentice success story

End-to-end passive fire protection specialists, KuhnOdice UK, shares the story of one of its apprentice successes, in the form of Luke Hatherly.

KuhnOdice UK says Luke Hatherly’s journey is a strong example of how apprenticeships can shape long-term careers when supported effectively by businesses.

Luke has been part of KuhnOdice UK—formerly Mann McGowan—since the age of 16. Inspired by his grandfather, who spent a decade working as an engineer at Mann McGowan, Luke first joined the company in 2019 as a Factory Assistant during the summer.

What began as a short-term opportunity quickly developed into a clear career path. Luke went on to complete both his Level 2 Engineering Operative and Level 3 Machining Technician Apprenticeships, each requiring 18 months of dedication and commitment.

His training followed a structured approach, combining four days per week of hands-on experience in the factory with one day at college. This balance reportedly allowed Luke to develop both practical skills and technical knowledge essential to his role.

The academic side of the apprenticeship demanded significant written coursework, which Luke is said to have found challenging at times.

However, the support he received from both his college tutors and his workplace mentor, Jamie Scott at KuhnOdice, proved invaluable. Their guidance helped him stay on track and build confidence in his abilities.

Now an established member of the team, Luke is continuing to invest in his development. He plans to broaden his expertise by undertaking an electrical qualification, further strengthening his skill set within the engineering field.

In addition, he is keen to give back by supporting the next generation, with ambitions to mentor a Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprentice.

Luke’s story highlights the impact that structured training, strong mentorship, and ongoing support can have—not only on individual careers but on the future strength of the business as a whole.

For more information about KuhnOdice UK, visit: Fire protection materials for industrial applications