Greg Roughley is an Engineering Manager at Conductix-Wampfler, an international organisation specialising in power and data transfer systems. From overhead and port cranes, amusement rides, production machines, mill and mine machinery, to large mass transit systems, Conductix-Wampfler are the guys who keep business and manufacturing moving.

18 months ago, Conductix-Wampfler made the wise decision to hire their first apprentice. We spoke to Greg to find out why and also how they went about finding their perfect employee.

Great to meet you Greg. So 18 months ago you hired Conductix-Wampfler’s very first apprentice. What made you do that?
I think it was primarily born out of frustration. Previously we had tried to hire already qualified and experienced engineers and although the vast majority were able and qualified, they didn’t really fit with the company culture and it’s products. Hence we decided to simply try something new and hopefully find an individual and talent who we could grow ourselves. We see it very much as a future investment.

And had you had any previous experience with recruiting at an apprentice level?
None whatsoever. And it’s a very different process! We needed expert advice and turned to EEF for guidance and direction. They actually made the process extremely simple; helping source and evaluate the most appropriate candidates and short listing the ‘potentials’ before introducing them to us to go through our own interview process.

They took out so much of the hard work and because they understood our business so well, essentially providing us with a shortlist of the most suitable candidates for our business. EEF’s experience was essential throughout this process and it saved me so much time.

So once EEF had provided you with their shortlist, how did you decide who was ultimately going to become your first apprentice?
I think at this stage of their career, you need to look beyond solely academic credentials and really drill down to the core of their character. I wanted someone with bucket loads of enthusiasm and a real determination to learn, grow and develop with the company. Also someone who had more than a passive interest in engineering plus absolutely no preconceptions about the role of an apprentice. It’s no easy ride…they were certainly going to be challenged!

Now you have your first apprentice, would you consider hiring more?
Without a doubt! If we were in a position to, I’d hire a small army of them if I had the resources and it does depend on that. Our apprentice has been nothing less than enthusiastic, reliable and also encouraging from the company’s perspective. He’s a breath of fresh air being so young and I truly believe peeople like him are the future of Conductix-Wampfler.

Thanks for speaking to us today Greg, much appreciated.

As Greg revealed, hiring an apprentice can be a very complex and time consuming task. Every day EEF help manufacturing businesses across the UK find their perfect employee. To find out more about how EEF can help your business, click here.