Luke and Will at MTP Gas
A former apprentice and RAF veteran has watched two young apprentices thrive at his Teesside business after receiving vital support from the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Adopted Teessider Mark Taylor launched MTP Gas in 2014 after years of self-employment and a nearly decade-long career in the RAF. Passionate about giving others the opportunities he had, Mark wanted to pass on his experience to the next generation – and with the help of the Tees Valley Apprenticeship Support Grant, he made it happen.
Supporting the Next Generation
The Combined Authority helped Mark navigate the apprentice process – from interview support to securing a £2,000 grant.
“I had apprentices, but it never seemed to work when we did it,” Mark explained. “I approached the Mayor to see if there was help available and he put me onto the team to help through the process. The funding from the Tees Valley was brilliant.”
With the funding in place and the support of the TVCA, Mark brought on Luke Boddy, from South Bank, and Will Simpson, from Nunthorpe. Both now play key roles in MTP Gas’s expanding operations.
Luke’s Journey
Luke was the first to join the team. Four years later, he’s thriving.
“It’s been good – I’ve learned a lot over the last four years,” he said.
“I like learning and thinking about the future – it’s a good career to have. It’s put me in a good position in life. Over the last four years, it’s been good to learn off Mark – he’s taught me properly.”
Luke Boddy at work
Will Finds His Path
Will followed a different route – initially going to university before realising a more practical career was the right fit.
“At Uni, I was bored but I think I’m a hands-on learner,” Will said.
“I didn’t learn anything [at a previous company] – and I wouldn’t have passed college if I’d stayed there. I reached out to Mark, and I’ve learned more here since starting last June than I did in years there. It’s exciting as well. I don’t mind working away.”
Now completing his exams at Redcar and Cleveland College, Will is on the same successful path Luke has taken.
Will Simpson – MTP Gas Apprentice – has progressed under Mark’s watch
Growth Backed by the Region
MTP Gas, once based in a garden shed during Covid, has grown significantly thanks to support from the Tees Valley Business team, and the British Enterprise Fund. The firm now operates from a unit on Riverside Industrial Estate, has invested in new vans and equipment, and is taking on national contracts with major clients including the NHS.
Mark added: “I was just a one-man band when I had my first meeting. Through the help and advice, the company now employs four people, we have added a second van, and we’ve moved into a unit with office space and plenty of storage. With further expansion, we hope to add one apprentice per year to help boost the new generation of plumbing and heating engineers coming through.”
Why Apprenticeships Matter
Mark’s commitment to apprenticeships is about more than business – it’s about the future of his trade.
“Unless there are employers willing to invest, which I have done, we’re not going to have a future. The average age of a gas fitter at the moment is between 50 and 55, which is just not sustainable for the industry,” he said.
His high standards, shaped by his forces background, have helped the apprentices deliver very good work – winning praise from clients.
Want to follow in Luke and Will’s footsteps?
Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice or a business owner ready to invest in future talent, the Combined Authority is here to help. Discover how the Apprenticeship Support Grant and other business programmes can help you take the next step.
Find out more about apprenticeships here