Skills for life
After speaking to some of our long-term employees who were once apprentices, we want to share their insights into how an apprenticeship at bott can equip you with valuable skills for life.
Gary, Simon, and Chris have over 110 years’ experience between them at bott! Over the years they have witnessed the company grow from a small sheet metal factory into an International company shipping goods across the globe! The ability to adapt and improve is imperative in the fast-paced world that we live in. bott has had to look at new processes and equipment whilst technology and products have evolved. “From pencil drawn designs and hand written price lists, to our online interconnected systems.” Gary said that essentially almost everything has changed; “Still making perfo panels though!”
The team has developed both as a group and as individuals by taking on new challenges and learning to manage change. “We have grown as a company in every way,” says Simon. Simon Willshire joined the company on the 6th July 1987 as an apprentice, attracted by the opportunity to apply his education in a practical, real world engineering environment whilst earning a wage. Simon worked his way up through the ranks and is now the UK Product Manager at bott.
Simon Willshire, UK Product Manager
As with the rest of the world, the change in technology at bott has been extreme over the years. Manual machines are now automated, and drawings have changed from pencil to CAD with automated programming software. Chris Jones joined the company in 1985 as bott’s first ‘technical’ apprentice, he qualified in 1989 with an HNC in Production Engineering. In his 38 years at bott, he has worked under 9 titles from Apprentice to Project Manager. “When I started, there were only two computers in the whole company!” Chris learnt how to use PC’s with various operating systems and software packages, this benefited him massively inside and outside of work; gaining knowledge, skills and encouraging him to work under his own initiative.
Chris Jones, Project Manager
Gary Jennings began his Engineering Technician apprenticeship at bott in 1986. The apprenticeship was seen as a chance to strengthen abilities in his area of interest; mechanics and engineering. The opportunity to work in an environment that promoted UK design, manufacture and delivery, coupled with 100% commitment to apprenticeships, made the decision to join bott seem like a strong career move. Gary has worked across the company in varying roles including Engineering, Technical Sales, Marketing and Graphic Design. He currently works in Product Management with Chris and Simon. Gary says that he has gained fundamental life skills in his time at bott, highlighting self-confidence, self-belief, resilience and perseverance. If he could go back to his first day and offer himself a piece of advice, it would be, “sheet steel can be sharp! Or more philosophically, go as far as you can see - see how far you can go.”
Gary Jennings, Product Data Specialist
Kevin Sanders is our longest serving employee at bott! He joined the team 45 years ago, with a strong interest in the practical side of engineering.
After completing his Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship, Kev worked in quality control, focussing on the engineering aspects of quality improvements. He later fell into the role of Health and Safety which entailed extra training. After approaching bott with a plan explaining why he thought it could benefit the company, with bott’s support, he obtained a NEBOSH level 6 diploma in occupational Health and Safety 2 years later. He then became a graduate member of the institute of Occupational Safety and Health, and went on to achieve IOSH chartered membership.
Kevin Sanders, Health and Safety Supervisor
In recent years there has been more focus on Health and Safety in the workplace, there has been a considerable change compared to how companies used to operate, safe practice is now prioritised. Throughout his various roles at bott, problem-solving has been a key skill that Kev says has helped him overcome challenges both inside and outside of the workplace.
I have developed skills I didn’t realise I had. If you are offered opportunities, don’t hold back, take them! You never stop learning in Health and Safety.
We are a finely tuned machine, but from time to time, the unexpected can occur. Learning how to cope with this is fundamental to succeeding.
One of our former apprentices has now progressed to the Customer Service Manager here at bott. “I’ve been lucky enough to have been mentored by some of the company’s most successful employees.” Learning how to deal with customers at all levels within the organisation has allowed him to gain valuable people skills. Understanding the constraints of other departments and the customer, has developed skills in problem-solving and as a project manager. Aside from the colour of his hair, he said that it’s the business focus that has changed the most since starting at bott. “We have evolved from being a manufacturer of storage equipment, to a customer focused product and service provider. We now listen to the customers’ needs and react.
Do you have any advice to your younger self on your first day of bott?
To enjoy every challenge and know that you will learn from it. To build strong relationships with your peers in the knowledge that they will support you in your chosen career path.