First class honours

A time to celebrate! Congratulations are in order for Joshua Muir, a manufacturing engineer at our plant in Spennymoor, UK. Last week, Josh graduated from Teesside University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Having joined Thorn Lighting as a fabrication and welding apprentice 7 years ago, Josh now plans to continue to develop in his role within the company and complete his higher degree apprenticeship.

"When I joined Thorn, I was already doing a Higher National Certificate (HMC) in fabrication and welding which I completed after my first year. I then transferred to a technical support apprenticeship to fulfil an opportunity that had come up as a process improvement technician. This lead me down the path of achieving a HNC in mechanical engineering which I completed part time.

Two years later, I was offered the chance to do a higher degree apprenticeship which meant I needed to complete a degree over the course of a 4-year period. Today, I've got the role as a manufacturing engineer and I've graduated with a first class honours.

It's been a lot of hard work and many hours, and the final hurdle will be to complete the higher degree apprenticeship by the end of the year.

Everyone at Thorn has been really supportive over the years here and many people from many different departments have helped me to get where I am today in my career. It's a great working environment and what we do here is both interesting and challenging.

The work involved in doing a degree is very time consuming and challenging, especially when doing it alongside a full time job. So the best advice I can give to others doing a similar degree or wanting to follow a similar path: persevere - and try to keep on top of the work given - it will get better. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help and advice from your colleagues. Even if they have not studied the same subject, the chances are, they will still be able to help in one way or another."

Wishing you all the very best for what promises to be a successful career ahead, Josh! Congratulations from your proud friends and colleagues within Thorn and the wider lighting industry!