We recently sat down with our Head of Technical and Customer Experience Dean Asher to discuss his new apprentices and investment in the Polypipe Technical team.
Following this we spoke to Joe Smith, one of the new members of Dean's team, to find out more about him, his advice for people considering apprenticeships and to find out about his time at Polypipe so far.
What apprenticeship are you studying at Polypipe?
Technical Design
Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?
I didn’t want to go to university to study something and build up a debt. An apprenticeship offers me paid learning and chances to get qualifications that benefit both myself and the company. I wanted to pursue a career similar to what I am in now and didn’t want to waste years studying a subject at university, instead I wanted to begin working and learn the job, hence why I believe this apprenticeship is right for me.
Why do you think it is beneficial for companies such as Polypipe to offer apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships have been proven to create loyal and committed staff, increase productivity, and boost the morale of existing employees who feel the skills they can share are valued and essential.
If you could offer advice to other people considering an apprenticeship, what would you say?
I would recommend choosing an apprenticeship over going to university as it allows you to learn a job role, get qualifications and valuable work experience whilst getting paid. I personally believe that an apprenticeship is far more beneficial than any other pathway when entering a workplace because it means you are getting qualifications whilst earning a living - in contrast to being a student with little income and lacking the experience of how a workplace operates.
How would you sum up your time at Polypipe so far?
Good – I feel I have been welcomed into the company and have been given the right support from my mentor to help me learn as much as I can. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone on my department and feel engaged with the work as I have been trusted to work on jobs myself.
What does your role entail?
My role entails providing customers with a Bill of Material for different areas of pipework, for example drainage systems and rainwater systems. I am also required to answer phone calls and reply to queries customers have regarding our products, providing quotes for merchants to provide an accurate estimate for the pricing of products in order for them to win jobs. I regularly use IFS9 which is a software we use to see what jobs need completing and also when jobs have been sent to our customers.
What has been your most notable experience at Polypipe so far?
Seeing the process of how our products are made and how things happen in the factories. This was the most notable experience for me because it gave me an insight to how the business is run outside of the office and also it gave me a chance to physically see the products I am estimating.
If we asked you when you were 10, what you wanted to be when you grew up, what would you say?
Footballer
What was your favourite subject in school?
PE, because I could play football and not be stuck in a classroom.
What keeps you busy at the weekends?
I regularly enjoy going out at the weekends drinking with friends. I also enjoy music and attend gigs whenever I can.
Where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
Ibiza
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I have a large collection of trainers that have never been worn, they are still in the boxes with tags!