Success Stories
Dave Lively, UK Logistics ManagerQuadrant EPP Ltd, Todmorden
Dave began his apprenticeship with us in 1986 working for Kinghorn Machine Tools Ltd in Todmorden then did a further 4 years on day release and at night school & completed his advanced apprenticeship in 1991.
Dave comments: “After my apprenticeship I became lead hand in the machine shop then when the factory sadly closed I was approached by other engineering companies where I could take my pick.
I worked for a company that used plasma CNC machines to cut steel plates and later was approached to work for Webtex who made textile machinery where I became head of the CNC department.
After 6 years I was approached by the company I now work for called Quadrant EPP- an engineering plastics producer with 51 sites worldwide and the leader in high performance plastic products.Now I am the UK logistics manager responsible for a million pounds worth of stock and also for moving our products from out other European sites. I have now been at Quadrant EPP for 10 years.”
Dave adds: “An apprenticeship was the foundation to my career and I would recommend an apprenticeship to young people, as employers respect and actively seek people who have the right attitude to work and learning.
Apprenticeships are recognised throughout industry as the foundation of learning for your future career and your commitment to move forward.”
Gregg Cropper (BEng, MIET), Production Manager, Holroyd Precision Limited
Gregg began his engineering apprenticeship with us in June 1996 working for Holroyd Machine Tools. After completing his full apprenticeship 12 months ahead of schedule, he went onto pursue an array of further qualifications, culminating in a Mechanical Engineering degree in 2004.
Gregg has remained loyal to Holroyds throughout his career. From shop floor apprentice in 1989, Gregg has worked his way up the company ladder doing roles such as Engineering Buyer, Machine Tool Fitter and Applications Engineer. In his present role as Production Manager, Gregg finds he still uses the skills he learnt at Rochdale Training.
Gregg comments: “During my time as an apprentice, I was placed in the training centre, where I gained a number of important practical metal working skills. The training I received involved the learning of common manufacturing techniques which I still rely upon today.”
“I would defiantly recommend an apprenticeship as a starting block in building a career. It is vocational, which means that you are training/learning as well as getting paid, it’s the best of both worlds. Where else can you get the industry recognised qualifications alongside 4 years of experience, and get paid for the privilege?”
Danielle Reeves, Call Centre Team Senior, UK Car Group
Danielle began her apprenticeship in customer service in September 2007 while working for Carcraft. She successfully completed it in June 2008 and in that time she had progressed to Customer Service Team Manager. Danielle credits the experience she gained at Rochdale Training with this initial career progression saying, “I became a Team Manager after completing my NVQ and I feel that the skills I learnt helped me prepare for that role.”
Danielle is a strong advocate of apprenticeships and the important role they can bring to your career. She explains, “There have been redundancies within the business, and I feel that me completing my apprenticeship has had a part to play in them retaining me. I think doing an apprenticeship is imperative s learning new skills and gaining qualifications can only improve you as a person, and help you perform your job to the best of your ability.”
She adds, “I had lots of fun completing my apprenticeship and all the staff at Rochdale Training were really helpful and supportive. I have learnt many new skills and implement them every day within my job.” Danielle is currently looking into completing an NVQ level 3 or 4 in Management.