I always wanted a hands-on career. Whilst looking at joining the Royal Navy as a Mechanical Engineer, I discovered Clark Door were offering a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship.

Fortunately, I was accepted on to the four-year Level 3 programme at Clark Door in 2019.

I started on the workshop floor, developing welding and fabrication skills over a two-year period.

Whilst continuing the Level 3 Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship and HNC, I was given the opportunity to train as a CAD designer.

Experience in the factory has helped me quickly develop CAD design skills.

Projects are located all over the world, which makes the variety of projects and type of clients really interesting.

As a CAD Designer, I am able develop an initial design, then monitor it through manufacture – it’s satisfying seeing your design as a finished product.

The working environment is enjoyable and help or guidance is always there if I need it.

I chose a career in mechanical engineering because I was fascinated with how things work and my passion for problem-solving. Mechanical engineering offers a perfect blend of creativity and analytical thinking, allowing me to design and innovate solutions to real-world challenges.

When I decided to relocate to Cumbria, I discovered Clark Door. By researching the company, I was drawn to the diverse range of products and industries they cater to, which piqued my interest.

In 2019, I began my journey with Clark Door as a service engineer, collaborating with our service team stationed at Sellafield. Subsequently, I transitioned to the installation department as an installation engineer, where I travelled across the UK installing our products.

An exciting opportunity arose to contribute to one of our projects in the USA, leading to several months spent supervising the installation process. During periods away from the US, my role shifted to office-based support, assisting colleagues on-site. Through this experience, I secured a full-time office position, culminating in my promotion to Installations Manager in January 2023.

What I find most fulfilling is witnessing our doors fully installed and completed. It’s incredibly rewarding to observe the culmination of the entire team’s hard work in the finished product. Every day brings new challenges, and each project presents its own set of obstacles to overcome, which keeps the work engaging and dynamic.

Moreover, the aspect of people management brings its own sense of satisfaction. Witnessing the growth and development of individuals within the team as they undergo training courses and expand their product knowledge is truly rewarding.

Hailing from Gloucestershire, I studied Engineering at Cheltenham Technical College and Lanchester Polytechnic. Admiring all fields of engineering, site work and being out on the road was something that appealed.

After working in the engineering industry as an Installation Engineer of architectural steelwork all over the UK, I joined Clark Door in 1988.

For the first twelve years I was an Installation Engineer. After supervisory and management roles specialising in Lean Management, I became Engineering Manager in 2006 and NEBOSH Construction qualified.

Over the years I have worked across the USA & Europe as well as many other destinations. From sub-zero temperatures of the Arctic Circle, to the soaring heat of the Middle East – I have been able to travel the world with Clark Door.

Seeing projects through from design phase to completion, experiencing great technical and logistical achievements. Recent examples include massive doors at Crossrail and Urenco – both at elevated positions. International project highlights have included spectacular buildings, such as the Royal Opera House Muscat and Doha Convention Center.

The selection, management and training of individuals is also fulfilling for me personally. Ensuring our team develop their skills and progress within the company is a feeling that can’t be matched.