As the debate around the skills gap in the UK construction industry continues to dominate the headlines, earthmover attachment and breaker manufacturer
Three members of staff who all started out as apprentice fabricator welders on Miller’s shop floor at the firm’s Cramlington, county Northumberland, England HQ are said to have never looked back.
David Baron – Quality Assurance Officer
“I’ve been at Miller for just over a decade now and can honestly say that my apprenticeship was the best thing I could have done for my career – I’d never have got to where I am now without it. During the apprenticeship programme we all worked in different areas of production, which gives you a really good understanding of the whole process and has definitely helped me with the roles I’ve held since.
I would encourage anyone considering enrolling on an apprenticeship course to do it and make sure they take all the opportunities that come their way and you never know what the future holds!”
Conor Thompson – SPD Team Leader
“A few years ago I completed my four-year apprenticeship, based in the special product department, which looks after all the non-standard, bespoke products we manufacture. One of the main benefits of the apprenticeship for me was the fact that you learn in a very hands on way rather than in the classroom and that there’s so many other experienced members of the team to learn from too. Being team leader now, and having been an apprentice myself just a few years ago, gives me a much better understanding of how the department operates and allows me to manage the workload effectively. It’s been a really positive experience so far and I’m looking forward to seeing where the next few years will take me at Miller.”
David McKinnon – Business Development Manager – Repairs
“My apprenticeship gave me a real understanding of our production systems as well as knowing all our products inside out, having worked in all areas of the shop floor during the four years of my apprenticeship. This technical knowledge is crucial to my current role and has helped me build on relationships with our customers as I’m not just a salesman, I truly understand the product.
I think one of the great things about having completed an apprenticeship with Miller is the support I was given and the fact that there’s so much opportunity for progression if you apply yourself. If you look around the company there are so many members of staff who took the first steps in their careers as apprentices and now work in a variety of roles at all levels across the business.”
