2ND FEB 2026
From Apprentice to Business Owner: Mike Ferry’s Journey to Success
We spoke to Mike Ferry, owner of Mike Ferry Carpentry and Joinery, to learn why he chose an apprenticeship, his experience studying at GC, his business inspiration, the challenges he has faced, and his hopes for the future of his business.
Beginnings
Where does your interest for carpentry and joinery come from?
I’ve always had an interest in woodwork, ever since studying DT woodwork at school. What began as a simple weekend hobby soon grew into something more—I would make items for my home and for friends, often collecting offcuts wherever I could to create a variety of pieces.
I also worked a lot with pallet wood, which was very popular at the time. Despite how much I enjoyed it, I never imagined turning woodworking into a career. Instead, I spent many years working in a range of different jobs before finally deciding to take the leap and start an apprenticeship.
What made you choose an apprenticeship route vs a full-time course?
At the time, I had a young family and needed to be earning a steady income, so choosing an apprenticeship felt like the most practical option. It allowed me to learn whilst working, which I found incredibly valuable. Gaining hands‑on experience in a real workplace made a huge difference to my confidence and skills.
Learning the Craft
What was it like working while learning at college?
Working and learning was really important; I could transfer skills from the workplace to college and from college to the workplace.
Was there a particular project or assignment during your training that made you feel proud and confident in your abilities?
One of the moments where I felt I had achieved the most was when I created a full‑size casement‑style window completely from scratch, along with a bull’s‑eye window made from sapele. I had never worked with sapele before, so taking on that challenge and producing a high‑quality result was a real milestone in my development.
Were there people who supported you through the apprenticeship (e.g mentor, college lecturer, line manager etc)?
I had great support from everyone at the college; they were always there to answer questions I had.
Building Your Own Business
What inspired you to start your own business rather than work for someone else?
I had been working for a company for around three years when they ran into financial difficulties and unfortunately, I was made redundant. Although I received offers from other companies, I’d always had the ambition to run my own business.
It felt like the right moment to take a leap of faith. I was already carrying out personal jobs for people in the area at weekends, so turning that into a full‑time venture felt like a natural next step.
Did your apprenticeship training help you achieve this and how?
I believe it did. It gave me the confidence to complete projects independently and helped me build solid knowledge of using different machinery and tools. It also taught me how to apply the correct techniques for each job, which has been invaluable in developing my skills.
What were the early challenges and how did you navigate them?
In the early stages, one of my biggest challenges was securing consistent work whilst still covering my bills. I also needed to invest in additional tools, so I had a versatile kit suitable for the variety of jobs I was taking on. On top of that, I faced the cost of purchasing a van for work.
Fortunately, I was approved for a business loan through a government‑backed scheme with low interest rates. This allowed me to buy my van, expand my toolkit, and begin advertising online. The scheme also included free one‑to‑one business advice, which I found incredibly helpful.
Growth & Craftsmanship
Can you tell us a bit about your business?
I run a Carpentry and Joinery business, specialising in bespoke cabinetry. I create custom furniture tailored to each client’s space and style, offering everything from fitted wardrobes to media walls and more.
What do you love the most about your work?
I love the variety in the work I do, no two weeks are ever the same. I especially enjoy seeing the finished product come together, and there’s something particularly rewarding about completing bespoke cabinetry and knowing it’s been crafted to perfectly suit someone’s home.
How do you keep developing your skills or evolving your business today?
My skills are constantly developing because the work I take on is so varied, which means I’m always learning new techniques. I also make a conscious effort to keep my business relevant by paying attention to what others in the industry are doing, as well as keeping up with current trends and what’s popular with designers and homeowners.
What do you hope your business will grow into in the next few years?
I hope my business will continue to grow so I can employ additional members of staff, take on more work and eventually train future apprentices. Being able to offer opportunities to others and pass on the skills I’ve learned is something I’m really aiming for as the business develops.
What advice would you give to someone currently training in carpentry who dreams of owning their own business?
My advice would be to focus on building solid skills first and not rush the process. Take every opportunity during your training to learn different techniques, work with a variety of materials, and understand how jobs are run from start to finish. Problem solving is also a very important skill as not everything always goes to plan.
In time I would start to pay attention to how the business side works. Watch how your employer deals with customers, pricing, scheduling, and problem‑solving. Those things are just as important as the practical skills when you eventually go out on your own.
When the time comes start small, take on weekend jobs, build a portfolio, and get your name out there. Word of mouth is powerful. And most importantly, believe in your ability. Running your own business can feel like a big leap, but if you’re committed, organised, and willing to keep learning, it’s absolutely achievable.
If you are an individual with an interest in apprenticeships, you can find out more here or come to our Apprenticeship Open Evening.
If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice or upskill existing member of staff, you can find out more here or email: employer.training@gloscol.ac.uk
