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Why did you apply for a job at Bettys & Taylors?

From a young age, I’ve always been interested in anything technical, I liked taking things apart and understanding how they worked. So when I was nearing the end of school I knew that was where I wanted to focus but I wasn’t sure whether to go down the route of electrical or mechanical engineering. One of the careers advisors at school saw the advert for an engineering apprenticeship with Bettys & Taylors Group and they suggested that might be a good opportunity. I was familiar with the business given it was a local company, so I decided to go for it and I haven’t looked back since!

I started as an engineering apprentice directly from school so that meant I spent five years in training, then once I’d completed that, I went on to become a maintenance engineer working on shift, fixing the machines in our factory, and doing planned preventative maintenance. From there, I moved onto the controls side of things, such as automation and optimising the systems that run the machines. I spent a further four and a half years doing that, designing and installing new equipment, and making improvements across the site.

My next role was as a control systems manager – this meant I took on people management responsibilities, looking after a team of controls engineers. Then around four years later, I was successful in securing the Engineering Manager role when my predecessor retired.

Please tell us more about what your role entails.

I lead a team of skilled mechanical, electrical, systems engineers and project managers and together we are responsible for the procurement, maintenance, repair and continuous improvement of all the equipment used in our factory. It’s a varied role but a typical working week involves providing technical advice and coaching the teams, as well as project meetings, one to one meetings with members of my team and directional setting. If we have any significant issues within the factory, I’d then also get involved in any escalations to support the team and help with resolutions, remove barriers, and reduce any frustration.

In 2021 our engineering workshop had a complete makeover so we now have a dedicated space, with all the equipment and facilities to allow for efficient working and engineering excellence, including an R&D area for engineering research and training to be able to nurture upcoming engineering talent within the team. We also have a quieter space away from the main workshop to allow for uninterrupted work such as design, coding, report writing and training.

What are the key skills you need in your role?

On a practical level, the engineering expertise I’ve built up over the years across electrical, mechanical and control systems is essential. Alongside this, leadership, financial and business management skills are also a key part of my role on a daily basis.

I developed my practical skills via an advanced modern apprenticeship which meant I had both on the job training as well as classroom learning. I think this blend of learning was really useful for my role as it gave me a good grounding in real-life work situations that I could then apply my learning to. A few years after completing my apprenticeship, I then went on to gain a university degree in Engineering Management.

For anyone interested in pursuing a career in an engineering role, I would advise them to get some exposure to a manufacturing environment because on the job learning is key in this type of industry.

What’s been your proudest experience here?

Over the course of my career here, there’s been so many! But I think the one that hits the top spot is winning “Taylors Team of the Year” in 2020 in our annual Honours Awards which recognise people and projects that have made a significant impact on the business.

Our Award was for the efforts given by everyone across the Taylors Operations teams (manufacturing/engineering/warehousing) during the pandemic. Everyone had to adapt very quickly to an unprecedented situation, and the whole team worked so hard and supported each other in all ways possible, ensuring we kept the country in proper brews, an epic achievement!

On a personal level, I would also say that the most memorable moment for me was landing my current role. I’d been working towards this position my entire career so finally getting to this point was a day I’ll never forget.