John Powell

Memories of the Apprentice School and Fitting Shop in the 1960s

John Powell 1
John Powell 1
John remembers starting working at Fielding and Platt
John Powell 2
John Powell 2
John remembers Bert Ravenhill the apprentice school instructor, and shares general memories of the apprentice school in 1961
John Powell 4
John Powell 4
John remembers the smells and atmosphere of the fitting shop
John Powell 5
John Powell 5
John reminisces about Health and Safety at the works
John Powell 6
John Powell 6
John remembers visiting the other work areas within Fielding and Platt
John Powell 7
John Powell 7
John remembers overtime arrangements and the rates of pay at Fielding and Platt
John Powell 8
John Powell 8
John reminisces about his social life while working at Fielding and Platt
John Powell 10
John Powell 10
John shares his overall impressions of working for the Company

John started in the apprentice training school at Fielding and Platt in 1961, aged 16.  He then worked as a fitter and machinist, before becoming a progress chaser (a person who sourced materials).  He left the Company in April 1967 with the intention of travelling the world.

John has clear memories of his time with the Company, and the audio clips on this page provide a full picture of his experiences with Fielding and Platt.

Comments about this page

  • John’s comment about health and safety!

    I remember that if you were involved in grinding with lots of dust you were entitled to free milk. Not sure why? 

    By Bob Jackson (22/11/2015)

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