"I have been an apprentice at bott for almost a year. I chose to take this path with bott because they offered me the opportunity to learn important skills on the job, all of which are useful life skills outside of work too. I get to try out different areas of the job, testing out different machines and processes of manufacturing high-quality products. An apprenticeship is a great way to gain qualifications, while also earning a good wage. By taking this opportunity, I have opened up the doors to many great prospects and experiences with the company.
The first day on the job was very daunting, especially because of Covid-19. The team made me feel very welcome, assisting me with any questions and queries I had, while respecting social distancing. It is very interesting to be able to work on the product throughout each manufacturing stage, from bending and welding, to painting and assembling. That is what makes this apprenticeship stand out from the rest; you get to work through different areas and try different things instead of being based in just one area.
There is a great working environment at bott, and every face is a friendly one. I have gained many friends in the bott family, and I look forward to working with the company for many more years to come!"
"I joined bott when I was 17, I have been here for 5 years and worked through each process that goes into the production here on the Bude site. I have managed to gain a skill set ranging from welding to working with CNC punch press machines. This is also aided with the skills I have learnt from going to Exeter College and working on a diploma in engineering. I have now moved onto the evening shift where I am learning some leadership skills with one of the supervisors. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far as it has brought lots of new experiences which I had never encountered before joining bott. I am hoping that I can keep broadening my skill base in the future and look towards climbing the ladder here at bott."
"I started my apprenticeship in the workshop at bott, learning about all the different processes; this included setting and programming punching and bending machines. Alongside working 4 days a week I went to college 1 day a week to study a Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering. This allowed me to gain confidence in my job and improve my skillset massively. This led to me getting a job in the Design Office to become an Engineering Technician within the company - a job I have always wanted! This job entailed designing and programming new and standard parts for manufacture. My most recent project was designing a new product range for Manutan, one of bott’s top resellers. Whilst doing this project it enabled me to use all the knowledge that I had gained from college and my experience at bott to create a product that worked well and was LEAN in manufacture."
"I am a big supporter of the apprenticeship style of learning. It assists young people in gaining valuable technical skills, qualifications and an understanding of the different elements of businesses, all while earning a wage and being supported by experienced managers.
bott has a long history of developing apprentices. I personally learnt a lot from starting as an electrical apprentice at 16, including gaining a solid grounding for life itself. As part of my apprenticeship with bott I completed my City and Guilds at St Austell College. I then went on to become Maintenance Manager for the Bude plant, before moving on to be a Sales Exec for Special Products, which ultimately led to the forming of bott’s Special Vehicle Operations Division which I am proud to be Managing Director of today.
When we look to bring people into the business, it is not all about their academic performance, because like me, learning on the job can suit some people better. We look instead for a spark which sets them apart from their peers and shows their genuine desire to progress. Apprentices have a huge amount to offer and also enable us to grow in-house our skills and leaders of the future."
“As a company we know that success is built on having a dedicated and aligned team focused on solving customer problems. At bott, we aim to achieve this at all levels and bringing new starters in through apprenticeships is a key part of our recruitment and training program. A successful scheme allows young people to get a grounding in the commercial realities of a growing engineering and service business, using their creativity and learning to make a real contribution. As with all employees, our apprentices participate in an innovative profit related bonus scheme, which allows them to enjoy the fruits of our shared success.”
“As a company we know that success is built on having a dedicated and aligned team focused on solving customer problems. At bott, we aim to achieve this at all levels and bringing new starters in through apprenticeships is a key part of our recruitment and training program. A successful scheme allows young people to get a grounding in the commercial realities of a growing engineering and service business, using their creativity and learning to make a real contribution. As with all employees, our apprentices participate in an innovative profit related bonus scheme, which allows them to enjoy the fruits of our shared success.”
- Clive Woodward, Bott Ltd C.E.O
Interested in an Engineering Apprenticeship with bott?
Contact tracey.barham@bottltd.co.uk
About Exeter College: www.exe-coll.ac.uk
