From Apprentice to Mentor: 50 Years of Tim Brown

In 1975, a 16-year-old apprentice walked into West Lancashire Council (then known as Skelmersdale & Upholland Urban District Council) for his very first day. His overalls were spotless, his boots were new, and he was ready to learn. What he got instead was a day and a half spent watching someone try to remove a hydraulic pipe that should have taken 25 minutes.

“I remember going home and saying to my mother, ‘I don’t think I can stick it out here…I’m going to learn nothing,’ And she just said, ‘Get your apprenticeship. No matter how you get it – just get it.’ And I did. And I’m still here.”

Those words became the start of a 50-year journey.

A Lifetime in the Workshop

Tim stayed through every change the workshop saw, from its days as Skelmersdale & Upholland Urban District Council to West Lancashire Borough Council, and in 2021 when NRG Riverside took over operations.

Through it all, one thing has stayed the same:

“I’ve never once woke up and thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to go to work.’ I like coming to work. I’m a people’s person…it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve never wanted to do anything else.”

He’s seen the workshop evolve to the professionalism, safety culture, and standards we have today.

The Mentor

We now see Tim passing on what he learned, with kindness and integrity.

“I want an apprentice to be an apprentice. In years gone by, you made the tea, went to the chippy for dinner, and cleaned up. If you got a driving licence, you went out and picked parts. That was your duties for the first two years, and you learned nothing. But now, I don’t want an apprentice to do that. I want them here to learn, that’s what they’re here for. Listen, learn, and be a sponge.”

He says mistakes happen. What matters is bouncing back.

Sense of Humour Required

Tim has always believed that humour gets us through the day.

That includes legendary stories, such as the now-famous green underpants sunbathing incident, where Tim decided on a very hot day to sit outside in just his underwear…and then style them into a thong for dramatic effect.

We are not confirming whether photographic evidence exists.
(But we are also not denying it.)

A Legacy That Matters

When asked what he wants to be remembered for, Tim didn’t hesitate:

“From the cleaner to the chief exec, everyone should be treated the same. And I hope people remember the laughter. It helps everyone. I think I’ll be remembered as the fat lad with a sense of humour and I’m fine with that.”

Reaching 50 years in one workplace is rare. But what makes Tim’s journey special isn’t just the time, it’s how he has spent it. With consistency, humour, patience and genuine care for the people around him.

Tim hasn’t just been part of the workshop. He has helped shape its character. The way we look after each other, the standards we take pride in, the belief that work should have laughter in it.

Tim represents something we value deeply: a workplace where skills and kindness go hand in hand.

Tim, we are grateful for your humour, your dedication, your craftsmanship, your loyalty and most of all, your humanity.

Here’s to 50 years. And to many more sunlit days… preferably with your clothes on.