Ben and Robyn Robyn

Robyn and Ben joined Ricardo’s apprenticeship programme in September 2025, and just a few months in they are really enjoying the experience.  

As engineering apprentices, each are taking the opportunity to get involved in day-to-day operations that support the business and its customers, learning from colleagues and balancing practical activities with the theory based work delivered off site at a local college.  

For Ben, there’s no such thing as a normal day, each one is different. He’s currently on rotation working with the maintenance team to ensure that all operations run smoothly, from changing filters, to managing site specific improvements. 

Having originally studied for a diploma in business and sport, he found himself drawn to an apprenticeship programme as it gave him the opportunity to solve complex problems, find solutions and most importantly fix things – something he’s always enjoyed.  

“I’ve always found it fascinating finding out how things work and being able to fix things if they went wrong, using my initiative to make things work more efficiently. I was drawn to an apprenticeship as it allowed me to do something I enjoyed, in an area that I found really interesting. It’s also giving me the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the business. I’m looking forward to rotating around different disciplines and getting into the detail of what each one is responsible for.  

For Robyn, who joined Ricardo straight from school, an apprenticeship was a long-held ambition.  

She said: “I knew I wanted to go into engineering, after a career visit by Ricardo employees to my school, where I learnt from them about the business, its heritage, and the innovative projects that the business develops for its global customers. I was impressed by the different technologies, and the apprenticeship offered me a great opportunity to fulfil my ambitions starting immediately.” 

Throughout their apprenticeships, both Robyn and Ben will have the opportunity to learn and get involved in projects across manufacturing and assembly, engine and transmission testing, engineering, including design and development and powertrain systems development, across a broad range of sectors, including automotive, off-highway, aerospace, defence and marine.