What led you to Wire Belt?
My journey to Wire Belt all started whilst doing an engineering course at Sittingbourne Community College. There was a competition ran within the course, to design a Health & Safety poster for the Wire Belt factory, which I won! This was prior to our course visit to Wire Belt to tour the factory. When Wire Belt were advertising for a Machine Setter Apprentice, they thankfully remembered me from the tour, and offered me the role!
Could you give a brief overview of your career journey so far?
Before I started my Apprenticeship with Wire Belt, I worked as a party host at a leisure centre, as well as in a pub kitchen. After completing my Apprenticeship, I qualified as a Machine Setter, and later progressed into the role of Production Support Team Leader.
When you joined Wire Belt, how were you welcomed into the Company?
I was introduced to everyone on my first day and received a friendly welcome from everybody. Every time someone new joins Wire Belt, I always try to give them the welcome I was given.
How have Wire Belt helped develop you in your role throughout your time here?
During my time at Wire Belt, the Company have consistently thought about my personal development. Once I had qualified as an Apprentice, the company enrolled me onto a Level 3 NVQ in Engineering Mechanical Maintenance. On top of this, I also have been forklift trained, fire warden trained and have also become part of the Health & Safety team.
The Company also pushed me and developed me into a Team Leader role, which involved me going on Team Leader courses, which allowed me to find a management style which suited me.
Describe working at Wire Belt in 3 words?
Challenging, Fun, Relaxed.
Describe your typical day at Wire Belt, what would your responsibilities be?
My day at Wire Belt generally involves a variety of different jobs. I oversee the Machine Setters, making sure they have a regular workload, plus making sure it is spread out evenly. I also carry out inspections and quality control of machine set ups and conveyor belts which are about to be shipped, to ensure we deliver the best quality possible to our customers. I also help the Machine Setters when they need assistance, as well as train any new staff in the department.
Is there any particular memories at Wire Belt that stick out to you?
Over the course of my tenure at the company, there have been countless amazing memories that have been made. The Company social events are always good fun, and my trips to our group companies in Germany and America will always live long in the memory!
What would you say the best thing about Wire Belt is?
For me, it would be the work-life balance and good flexibility.
Do we have any policies that have specifically helped you?
It would have to be the family friendly policies. As I have children, this is amazing and helps me massively when needed.
Would you say Wire Belt has a good work-life balance?
Yes, I think it is really good. You finish on time every day and don’t leave worrying about anything.
Describe the moment of being granted the promotion you worked so hard for?
It was certainly a happy and proud moment, especially after years of hard work towards it. To be asked and be chosen by the Management Team to be promoted showed that they valued myself for my quality of work, as well as me as a person, which meant a lot!
Do you feel the company lives by their Mission Vision and Values?
Yes, I do.
Is there anything else you’d like to talk about that we haven’t discussed about your time here?
It is nice to see the Company investing in itself and people, constantly looking at new ways to ensure the future of the Company is successful. The recent renovations to our Sittingbourne site look magnificent as well.