Thorne & Derrick International celebrates 40 years of success

The company, located on the Drum Industrial Estate, now serves customers in more than 70 countries and is using the milestone to highlight the impact of its apprenticeship programme.

Richard Derrick, managing director of Thorne & Derrick International, said: “We’ve always believed that our people are the foundation of our success.

“By offering apprenticeships, we not only support young individuals in launching their careers, but also ensure that we have skilled, passionate professionals driving innovation and excellence across our operations.”

The company’s apprenticeship scheme blends hands-on training with formal education, enabling apprentices to earn qualifications while working on real projects.

Thorne & Derrick International collaborates with Gateshead City Council and New College Durham to deliver apprenticeships in customer service, business administration, sales, and warehousing.

The company’s first apprentice, Morgan Gent, joined in 2018 as a customer service apprentice and is now a full-time sales engineer.

Mr Gent said: “The support I’ve received from the management team and colleagues since the first day I joined Thorne & Derrick at 18 years old has been incredible.

“I feel very much part of the team and am actively encouraged to continue learning.

“I highly recommend joining an apprenticeship programme as it gives you a chance to grow in confidence, develop valuable skills and, here, I’m very much part of the family.”

Looking ahead, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to developing young talent and providing skills training for future generations.

Established in 1985, Thorne & Derrick International supplies specialist cable jointing tools and equipment for LV, HV, and EHV cable installations.

It serves customers in the utilities, renewables, rail, oil and gas, and construction sectors.

Thorne & Derrick is located at Unit 7, Lumley Court, Chester-le-Street DH2 1AN.

Visit the website: https://www.thorneandderrick.com/