What led you to Wire Belt?
I did a week’s work experience with Wire Belt in 1989, at our old site on the Trinity Trading Estate, which was arranged by my schools’ careers officer.
Once I’d completed my exams, I knew I wanted an Apprenticeship in Engineering, and when I attended a careers fair at school, Wire Belt were advertising to hire an Engineering Apprentice. They remembered me and I was lucky enough to be offered the position.
Could you give a brief overview of your career journey so far?
I successfully completed a 5-year City + Guilds 228 apprenticeship as a Machine Shop Engineer, spending one day per week studying at Canterbury College. After officially qualifying, I started to undertake a variety of different jobs within the machine shop area, manufacturing, and assembly of components which I really enjoyed as this then involved trouble shooting if there were any problems. I left the company for a two-year period, in order to develop my skills further in a more advanced role, before returning to Wire Belt as a Production Development Coordinator. As part of the company’s progression planning, they put me through a Management Level 3 course.
When you joined Wire Belt, how were you welcomed into the company?
I received a warm welcome when starting my apprenticeship. Many members of staff remembered me from my work experience a couple of years before, I felt comfortable with the people I was going to be working with which allowed me to settle down quickly and perform to the best of my ability.
How have Wire Belt helped develop you in your role throughout your time here?
During my time at the company, I have had a number of different appraisal meetings, which enabled a personal development plan to be set-up for myself. I’ve always felt that the company have pushed me to achieve my potential!
Describe working at Wire Belt in 3 words?
Fun, Challenging, Rewarding.
Is there any particular memories at Wire Belt that stick out to you?
Some of the best memories I have at the company are from our company Christmas Nights Out. They are always great fun and it’s good to see people in a different light in a social environment and not just at work. It was also funny to see some of the fancy dress outfits people came out with as well!
What would you say the best thing about Wire Belt is?
For me, it has to be the people. I have made so many friendships during my time at Wire Belt, and love coming to work to see those people on a daily basis!
Do we have any policies that have specifically helped you?
The main policy which has benefited me is the Flexible Working Policy. Having young children and a wife who works full-time hours means that the policy allows me to adjust my hours so I can pick my children up from school after work.
Would you say Wire Belt has a good work-life balance?
I do think the company has a good work-life balance. Finishing early on a Friday is a big plus for me. Living so close to our site, I’m home before 3pm most Fridays, so every weekend sort of becomes a long weekend!
Describe the moment of being granted the promotion you worked so hard for?
At the time, I was looking for more responsibility and challenges as I’m a person who always looks to push and challenge themselves. The opportunity to take up the role of Production Development Coordinator came at the perfect time, allowing me to fulfil some life-long ambitions, both inside and outside of the workplace.
Do you feel the company lives by their mission vision and values?
Yes definitely, we always have fun at the events that are arranged, being a family run company, you feel like you’re treated like a family.
Is there anything else you’d like to talk about that we haven’t discussed about your time here?
For me, it’s nice that the company has remained as a family run business and keeps its core values going. Wire Belt has been family owned since its creation and I hope this continues.