Apprentice Training Schools

The majority, if not all Dowty sites had their own Apprentice Training Schools.

This is where all Apprentices usually spent their first year training, under the Supervision of Training Instructors.

The instructors featured in these pictures in white smocks are: Roger Golby, Rolly Clutterbuck & Reg Stiff.

The apprentices were taught how to use the machine tools, including, Centre Lathes, Milling Machines, Jig Borers, Shapers, Grinders, Drills and also fitting skills.

All apprentices had the opportunity to make their own precision tools.

Here are some photographs of those Training Schools

Arle Court - Apprentice Training School
Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub
Dowty Ashchurch - Apprentice Training School 1972
Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub
Dowty Ashchurch - Apprentice Training School 1972
Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub
Dowty Rotol - Apprentice Training School c.1972
Original photo in the Dowty archive at the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub
Dowty Rotol - Apprentice School

Comments about this page

  • Re comment aboveI think its Reg Stiff not Stanton.

    By Simon Tolley (07/07/2023)
  • Hi John,
    I have also just realised that the 3rd picture machines, people and model are present in the second picture, so this must be Ashchurch as well!
    Regards,
    Steve

    By Stephen Parker (01/10/2022)
  • Hi John,
    As per my previous comment the 2nd picture down is Ashchurch (still showing Rotol).
    Also I believe the 1st picture is in fact Arle Court training school, I will see if I can find somebody to confirm this.
    Regards,
    Steve

    By Stephen Parker (01/10/2022)
  • Thanks Stephen for the updates, the photos have now been updated!

    By John Redfern (01/10/2022)
  • Hi,
    The pictures shown on this page are mixed up:
    – The second picture down is described at the Dowty Rotol School, it is in fact the Ashchurch School. If you look at the RH side of the picture you can see a model pit prop on the bench.
    – The Fourth picture down is described as the Ashchurch School, it is in fact the Dowty Rotol Staverton school. It moved from No 3 shop in late 1970/early 71 to the block below to the jig and tool store and next to the NDT dept on the bottom road.
    The instructors in this picture in white smocks are: L to R – Roger Golby, Rolly Clutterbuck & Reg Stanton.

    By Stephen Parker (30/09/2022)

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