Passing the torch to a new generation

Our canals are steeped in history, but their future depends on the next generation. That’s why our apprenticeship scheme helps keep canals in expert hands for years to come.

Since 2021 we have supported 57 apprentices across England and Wales

Our network is more than two centuries old, and without careful succession planning, the traditional skills we rely on to maintain it, from stonemasonry and carpentry to canal engineering, could easily be lost. It’s vital that these skills are kept alive, enabling us to pass the torch to a new generation of skilled engineers and craftspeople who are passionate about keeping our canals thriving.

Your support for the projects our apprentices work on helps give them invaluable opportunities to learn from our experienced colleagues.

But it’s not just about preserving the past. Our apprentices bring new energy and ideas to our day-to-day operations, providing fresh insight to challenges like sustainability and innovation, helping us shape the future of our network. The Canal & River Trust offers a variety of interesting apprenticeship roles from engineering and construction to conservation and community. We can give young people new opportunities, the chance to get the experience they need and instil a lifelong passion for canals.

Watch Nilzo tell his story - he recently completed his mechanical and electrical apprenticeship.

Transcript
Nilzo Manuel
I am Nilzo Manuel. I'm a mechanical and electrical apprentice and I work at Canal & River Trust. When I looked at this job, the opportunity just made sense. It is an opportunity where I get to go outside and see all the wildlife. Nothing beats summer when you're going on a canal and it's sunny and you see all the swans swimming by.
And then you hear the birds singing in the morning, you’re fixing something. Best feeling. As a kid, I always enjoyed looking at the wildlife. I'd watch a lot of documentaries and find out a lot about animals. And my dad has always been a mechanically minded person, so he passed on a lot of information. I always looked at him and I thought you would be able to fix anything.
So that's the kind of mindset I grew up with and I wanted to achieve that. On a daily basis, we do a lot of servicing and a lot of maintenance inspections, making sure things are on date, in good condition for the construction workers to be able to use. We also get called on breakdowns, so breakdowns are usually when they're not able to work, they need it as a priority.
So it could be anything. It could be engines not starting. It could be the electrics. It could even be the welfare. It could be the hydraulics, for example, the cranes not working or there's leaks. It's a bit of everything, really. It's a good all-round job. The career I chose to get here, obviously, after school, getting my GCSEs, I went to college and I did a mechanical engineering course, and in that course, I did a bit of everything I did CADs.
I did some practical work in the workshop where I would use lathing machines, drilling machines, used to do some welding, there was a lot of fabrication. I did a lot of maths, a lot of science. So I think all these skills helped me to get here to get this apprenticeship, Yeah, that needs to be sent away for repair.
But as this faulty then there's nothing to make it spin really. I don't think college is the only route to get here. I think if you were to grow up, for example, in a garage, you know, and always had an interest. Although you didn’t go to college but you knew, for example, how engines work, and had quite a bit of experience.
I think they would take you on if you really want it. Yeah. So right now, I’m at this stage where I'm nearly done with my apprenticeship. So I want to get the highest grade as I can and then progress to a permanent role in Canal & River Trust. Once I achieve that, I will want to stay and get as much experience as I can and feel comfortable enough to get any jobs sent out to me.
And I know I'll be able to sort it out.

Nilzo, who joined us fresh out of college as a mechanical and electrical apprentice, is no exception. As you’ll see from this video, the role was a perfect fit, combining a love of the outdoors with a passion for working with his hands. Having just completed his apprenticeship, Nilzo is part of a new generation ready to take on the mantle from our experienced colleagues and eager to apply the skills he’s learned to help preserve our treasured canals for many years to come.

Engineering apprentice at work in a workshop

Liz is an Apprentice Lock Gate Technician, based at our Bradley Workshop in the West Midlands

Meanwhile, Liz has used her apprenticeship to change her career entirely – having previously worked as a cashier and being accustomed to serving the public, she is now supporting the future of our canals by learning how to help manufacture lock gates.

“My role involves inspecting lock gates that are scheduled for either partial or complete replacement,” says Liz. “I identify potential issues and adjust computer models of the new gates for manufacturing in the workshops. I came into this role with no prior experience in manufacturing or production, but with a genuine desire to pursue a more meaningful career."

“During my apprenticeship, I have gained countless practical skills. Being curious is vital for understanding, and there are many knowledgeable people here ready to support me. I’ve enjoyed spending time alongside colleagues in the operations and construction teams who install our gates. Understanding their needs simply helps us create a product that’s easier to fit.”

Our apprenticeship schemes offer people new opportunities and help ensure that the traditional skills so vital to preserving our canals don’t vanish forever.

Keeping vital skills alive

Meet more of our apprentices

Last Edited: 30 March 2026

Passing the torch to a new generation

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