As the works neared completion, British Specials were called home to fill various posts. Many stayed with the Company, doing much to build it to its present proportions. Among them were Miles Walker, A. P. M. Fleming, R. Johnson, J. T. Callaghan, C. D. Andrew, G. M. Gibson, J. W. Harris, P. D. lonides, M. S. Kenyon, G. Laird, G. Layton, R. H. Orbell, T. G. Smith, P. R. P. Souper, D. J. Strutt, and N. J. Wilson; when Callaghan retired in 1947, Fleming became the only member still on the active list of the Company. Of those who found their metier elsewhere, A. R. Dyer went to the London Fire Brigade and was chief officer for many years, H. Rottenburg became a don at Cambridge, and F. E. L. Hurst and H. Priestman entered the Church and the Christian Science movement respectively. But wherever their paths led the Holy Forty all looked back on their time in Pittsburgh as a wonderful experience.

By the end of 1902 most of the Americans had arrived and taken up their posts. A noticeable sign was the appearance of spittoons: the Americans, and those who had visited the States, displayed great skill in the use of these receptacles, a few of which survive in various offices. The Fourth of July was celebrated with gusto, but without fireworks which were then prominent in the celebrations in the States.

To be suddenly launched into this American atmosphere was an experience that made a lasting impression on apprentices who were joining in increasing numbers. It was a hard school with no room for illusions, but it also created among those who survived a wonderful esprit de corps, which a generation later found expression in their enthusiasm to meet at least once a year and to live again those exciting days. On the American side also, there were many who looked back on their time at Trafford Park as one of the happiest of their lives.

Apprentices were accepted from the first days of manufacturing, and three types of courses were established—one for youths who intended to become skilled workmen, another for young men of good general education, and a third for men who had a university training. From an early stage the Company made its selection on merit alone and set its face against the premium system whereby young men paid considerable sums of money to acquire practical experience. B.W. apprentices actually received a small wage: 'school apprentices' for instance, received a weekly wage rising from 6s 8d in the first year to 17s 6d in the fourth year, and a gratuity of £10 on completion of 10,960 working hours.