Precision Micro is a leading metal component manufacturer using the latest photo etching technology. James Masefield began his career there as an apprentice and has since gone on to work in almost every department in the factory. Climbing the ladder quickly, James is now part of the company’s Benelux team. This team was created to deal with European customers and six months after joining it James was put in charge and has been leading it ever since.

We had a chat with James to find out what exactly is the key to success.

Great to have you here today James. It’s clear to see you’ve been extremely successful. Tell us about the Benelux team.

My primary role is to ensure the Quality and on-time delivery for the majority of European customers and we’re getting better and better at it as the team is still developing. I have around ten people under my supervision ranging from engineers, inspectors, production control and operators.

That’s amazing! So the apprenticeship was the start of your great career. Why did you initially choose to do one?

Essentially, engineering interested me. I wanted an engineering course that was practical with little academic work and the EEF Apprentices and Skills training centre was perfect in terms of what I was looking for 95% of my first year spent on the shop floor and they would assist me in finding employment. It naturally led into the apprenticeship.

And what was your goal?

My initial aim when I first joined the company was to get familiar with the products and learn the processes involved. I have now done that and learnt the majority, so my current target is to get as close to 100% on-time delivery and 100% product quality to the customer.

Seems as though your apprenticeship really motivated you. They’re something you’d recommend then?

I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship. My advice would be to show you’re willing to learn and progress in whatever sector you’re studying. It’s not just about the qualification at the end of the scheme. I found a lot of my general skills have come from the experience of the instructors who trained me. I see an apprenticeship as being a gateway into the “real” world, it’s not about sitting in a classroom for eight hours a day, five days a week. The apprenticeship seems to be designed to get you working on the shop floor and learning by actually physically carrying out tasks. You learn whilst you earn!

You’re a true ambassador for the value of an apprenticeship James!

My apprenticeship gave me all of the required skills to progress to the next stage. All areas were covered by EEF from creating a real-working environment to assisting me in gaining employment. I do not regret anything so far in my years with both EEF and Precision Micro Limited. I am truly grateful to have been given such an opportunity.

Very kind words indeed James. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for you.

For James, the apprenticeship enhanced his development and he’s not only rapidly on the up but providing a unique service for Precision Micro. If you’d like to find out more contact us here.