From Apprentice to Manager
We asked current and former apprentices in Ashby how their role in the company has progressed over the years.
Keith began working at bott 28 years ago as an apprentice. Over this time he has worked in various engineering teams and is currently our Design Manager in Ashby De-La-Zouch. Keith took the decision to follow up the company after bott presented at a school careers day. He says that confidence in managing teams, working with other people across many disciplines and professionalism are important skills that he has learnt during his time in the team. “Being in a workplace allows you to quickly develop important life skills that help you become more independent. I am involved in various personal projects outside of work that allow me to use my design and engineering skills".
We started as a small fitting centre with a small team that did a bit of everything and have developed into a multimillion-pound international business employing 100’s of people.
Keith Dowell, Design Manager
Luke Birchnall, who began at bott as an apprentice 11 years ago said, “The most important skills that I have developed are my organisational skills which are useful in life generally- it’s very useful when owning a house and being able to manage money for mortgages and bills. I have also developed my ability to work as a team. This means now I can work with any department in the business to get the job done.”
During his first 4 years, Luke attended college for his level 3 Engineering and HNC Mechanical Engineering. Once attained, he progressed to a trainee for 2 years to do his HND; “I was originally going to fund this myself but bott kindly funded this course as well.” Throughout this time he worked in both steel and Wood Shop design, before becoming a Supervisor in Wood Shop design for 4 years. Luke currently works in both steel design and project work. “I enjoy the process of being able to design the part and then follow the process of the part being produced.”
Luke Birchnall, Senior Wood Shop CAD Designer
We asked both Keith and Luke, if they could give themselves a piece of advice on their first day at bott, what would it be?
Listen to the advice of others to help you make decisions. Try to enjoy the experience as much as possible. You get out what you put in! - Keith
I would remind myself that bott is not like school, you don’t pack up and shut down when the day is done – we’re a team and help each other towards a common goal. - Luke