Paving the way for the future - the Lightmongers of Signify

May 3, 2023

At Signify, we take pride in our workforce of young talent. Our team can shine a light on the positive impact that a young group of individuals can make to any organisation. In the context of Signify, we recognise the positive impact they can have on the culture of the organisation, the way we work and the impact that can have on the lighting industry with their energy and enthusiasm. There is no limit to what this workforce brings to any organisation.

We currently have a group of apprentices working across lots of our team at Signify in the UK&I, including our Lighting Application (LiAS) team. The Signify Lighting Application team are responsible for producing lighting solutions for our customers. Day-to-day, this includes creating lighting level calculations, visualisations, lighting layout drawings, etc. We cover a variety of Internal and External applications, and therefore our team is required to maintain ‘continuous professional development’ (CPD). 

The LiAS team has a successful history of employing apprentices, who learn lighting design whilst studying for a formal qualification – such as Electrical Engineering, Project Management and Business & Leadership. Our apprentices have enthusiastically embraced the nuances of lighting industry, which includes various societies, associations, and institutions. One of these being the ‘Worshipful Company of Lightmongers’, a Livery Company of the City of London, that promotes the lighting industry by awarding prizes and scholarships.

Tom's journey

In 2017, Tom Schwenke received the Lightmongers Apprenticeship Award, due to his hard work, both academically and professionally, whilst studying an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering via Farnborough College of Technology. Since completing his apprenticeship, Tom has worked on several large projects, most notably a large industrial facility in South Wales, where Tom spent several days on site finalising the detailed lighting design, and more recently acting as the Lead Lighting Designer on a UK wide roll-out of LED lighting within a sports retailer. Tom has shown excellent lighting design skill, as well as a commercial acumen that has opened new opportunities in his career development.

Annabel's journey

Now, in 2023, Annabel Ashwick has followed in Tom’s footsteps and also received the Lightmongers Apprenticeship Award. Annabel completed her Lighting Design Apprenticeship between 2019-2022, and despite joining just one month before the global lockdown, Annabel has achieved exponential professional development. This included quickly learning the fundamentals of lighting design and the associated software, completing the ‘EDA Introduction to Lighting course’ and passing her Engineering Qualification. Annabel has worked on various indoor projects and has presented several of her designs to customers. Upon completion of her apprenticeship, she has become a mentor for current apprentices, and embarked on a Management Degree at Winchester University. 

Huge congratulations go to both Tom and Annabel, for all they have and continue to achieve. 

So who’s next?

We currently have two apprentices who are working through their apprenticeships (2 years & 6 months), and due to past success and current workload, the Lighting Application Team is now looking for our next Lighting Application Apprentice to join in Summer 2023 with a view of learning the role whilst taking a day-release at a local college or university. Could this be you? Or do you know someone that you would recommend? If yes, please review the job vacancy and apply for one of the most interesting and rewarding apprenticeships you are likely to find and in the future you may also have the privilege of winning of receiving the Lightmongers Apprenticeship Award from the Lord Major of London.