This National Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the talented individuals shaping the future of Moon. Apprenticeships are central to our commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring heritage skills are preserved while embracing innovation.

At Moon, we invest in the next generation by welcoming apprentices who are eager to learn, adaptable, and driven. This approach not only fuels innovation but also strengthens our skilled, forward-thinking workforce. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, we empower both our team and the future leaders of our industry.

From those taking their first steps in the trade to experienced team members wanting to hone their expertise, we support our people at every stage—helping them grow, develop, and achieve their ambitions.

As we mark National Apprenticeship Week (10th–16th February 2025), we’re proud to showcase the apprentices who are shaping Moon’s legacy. Their dedication, skill, and passion for craftsmanship play a vital role in our future.

Explore their stories below and see how apprenticeships continue to drive innovation while safeguarding the heritage skills at the heart of our mill.

Jacob Ward
Maintenance

I have been at Moon for just over 2 years, coming from an accounting background, but feel like I have learned so much. I had the opportunity to start working in a more manual role building pianos which really piqued my interest in finding a role in manufacturing, so, when a vacancy came up at Abraham Moon. I jumped at it, and I haven’t looked back!

I feel like it’s a great place to develop skills I wasn’t aware I had, and I’m always excited to learn something new, which was why the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship (L2 TMO) was such a good opportunity, as it not only helped me to solidify skills I was already building but gave me a real insight into the history of textiles and a great overview of the industry.

This role has really made me feel part of the legacy of textiles and if anything, made me more determined to get stuck in and learn as much as I can. So now having completed and achieved L2 TMO, I am even more excited for my next apprenticeship in Textile Engineering (Level 3) as an opportunity to develop and learn even more while getting a chance to play my part in such a historic and interesting industry.

Amy O’Hare

Yarn Quality Technician

My name is Amy and I work in yarn quality at Moon. I have always had a passion for textiles, when I was young you would either find me sewing cushions or knitting scarves. I began my study at school by completing textile GCSE and then progressing to A level. After this I thought I wanted to study design, I went to university and quickly found out that I am no designer!

Working at Moon has exposed me to such a wide variety of textile jobs and has given me the opportunity to progress my learning further by partaking in an apprenticeship program through the Huddersfield Textile Centre of Excellence.

I have completed my qualification and I have now achieved a distinction in the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative course. With this under my belt, I am now continuing onto a Level 4 Data Analysis course all funded through Moon. They have offered me amazing opportunities and all I had to do was ask!

Madara Miko
Mending/Quality

I have just passed my English and Maths Exams! …. And am currently preparing for the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing (L2TMO) exam, having completed all the course work. I’ve been working at Moon for more than 7 years. Before this, I worked at multiple places but not for long. Moon has helped me grow in confidence.

I have had the opportunity to grow my knowledge about fabric and the business in general by working in several departments, such as Accessories, Mending, Weaving and Yarn store, I’m still open to learning and trying new things.

So far I have found my heart in mending, which I have been doing for a few years now and really enjoy it. When I have completed my Level 2 TMO, I’m excited to see what my next steps are at Moon and how I can learn and grow further with the opportunities they give me

Ben Pickard
Apprentice Data analyst

I joined Moon in February 2024 after being temporarily laid off from my previous role as a production engineer, where I worked on manual and hydraulic steering racks for high-value vehicles. That role taught me the fundamentals of working in a production environment, including planning and communication for efficient processes.

With a strong interest in IT from my GCSE and BTEC studies, I saw this as an opportunity to transition into the field. When I came across the data analytics apprenticeship at Abraham Moon, I applied immediately, knowing my production knowledge and IT background would be a strong fit.

Since starting, I’ve had to adapt quickly to the textiles industry, learning new terminology, processes, and IT systems to help identify areas for improvement in production efficiency. The role has massively expanded my IT skills, particularly in data collection and analysis, and I’ve been welcomed into a supportive team.

I’d highly recommend an apprenticeship at Moon—it’s been the best decision I’ve made.

Desmond Norris
Blending Operative

I am 34 years of age I am originally from a small island in the Caribbean called Dominica and I have been living in Leeds for 8 years.

I am currently employed as a blending OP at Moon and have been here for one year. The textile industry is fairly new to me, but having my prior role being a supervisor at a food manufacturing company I came in with a lot of transferable skills.

I am currently in the process of gaining a Level 2 Textile Manufacturing . I was interested in the course because I wanted to increase my knowledge about the textile industry. For example Learn a bit about the industry history and also to help keep me growing within the industry, and be able to do a great job an provide a great product.

The Level 2 TMO will equip me with what I need to take advantage of the growing opportunities in textile manufacturing.

Lorna Findlater
HR Advisor

I started with Moon in January 2023 as HR Coordinator and I have learnt so much during those past two years! I was given the opportunity to undertake a HR Support Level 3 apprenticeship qualification and completed this in November 2024. This provided me with great hands on experience and practical insights into the field of HR.

Now an HR Advisor, I will be starting a CIPD Level 5 People Professional apprenticeship qualification in February 2025, which will provide me with further insight and knowledge into the field of HR and allow me to provide a better service to Moon and it’s employees. I want to apply my growing knowledge to support the business, and strive to create an environment where employees can thrive and achieve their own personal goals.

Bilaal Mahmood
Warping Operative

I have been at Abraham Moons for 7 years, before that I had different jobs and experiences. I have a level 2 qualification in motor mechanics, I worked at a call centre and was also a chef in a takeaway. I enjoy working with my hands and have even dabbled in joinery. I also have an artistic talent and really enjoy sketching drawing and painting in my spare time

I heard about Abraham Moon from my uncle who was already working there, initially I thought it would be old in terms of technology, but upon joining the business I found that they use quite advanced technology. It is not just the mechanical side but also using IT skills and machinery data

I started off as an apprentice Tuner and passed my Level 2 Textile Manufacturing. Then I moved to warping, which is preparing warp yarns ready for weaving and I have learned new valuable skills, I am now ready for more challenges and I am looking forward to gaining new skills at Abraham Moon and taking more of the opportunities they offer

National Apprenticeship Week 10-16th February 2025.