Hi, I’m Nick, and I am a Maintenance Controller in the Operational Engineering Department at The Bristol Port Company.

I joined The Bristol Port Company in 2015 as a mechanical engineer. I was employed primarily as a crane engineer but also maintained and repaired other kit such as conveyors, blenders and roller/hammer mills. After years of working as a production engineer on FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) production lines this was my first foray into heavy engineering, but I relished the new challenge.

After approximately 5 years as an engineer, I applied for the role of Maintenance Controller and was successful! I have now been in this role for over five years. My responsibilities now include managing a team of engineers, planning maintenance, sourcing spares, liaising with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) suppliers, issuing permits-to-work and writing risk assessments and method statements.

This was my first experience as a manager, so the head of Operational Engineering (my boss) told me about the ILM Leadership and Management apprenticeship, then encouraged me to do it, as he felt it would be beneficial to me in my new role as a manager.

The apprenticeship has helped me in the workplace significantly. I am now better equipped to deal with all the trials and tribulations that are thrown at you as a manager. During my apprenticeship I learnt many new methods and was given proven models to use in my everyday life at work. These help me manage people, my time and my tasks more efficiently and enable me to be more emotionally intelligent when dealing with personnel issues.

An example of a standout moments from your apprenticeship was the outward-bound course in the Lake District. It was fun and challenging at the same time. Also, spending time with employees from other departments of the company really improved our working relationships. I was able to learn about effective leadership in a hands-on environment.

Weston College provided robust support throughout the apprenticeship. Before starting, they guided me through the enrolment process and outlined what to expect. During the program, I had access to a dedicated mentor, regular check-ins, and resources tailored to my role. After completing the apprenticeship, they continued to offer workshops and networking opportunities to ensure I stayed updated with best practices.

After my apprenticeship, transitioning fully into my Maintenance Controller role felt seamless. The knowledge and skills I had gained during the programme gave me confidence in managing my team, planning maintenance tasks, and handling supplier negotiations. I felt more prepared to take ownership of my responsibilities and lead effectively.

My time at Bristol Port has brought unexpected opportunities, such as being invited to participate in high-level strategic planning sessions. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to mentor newer engineers and apprentices.

Working at Bristol Port comes with several benefits, including job stability, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work culture. The company also provides competitive pay, training programmes, and access to resources that help in both personal and professional development.

My future aspirations are to continue learning, and to shadow the Head of Operational Engineering to enable me to effectively stand in for him in his absence. I also hope to play a more significant role in shaping long-term maintenance strategies and mentoring young engineers and apprentices at Bristol Port.

I would highly recommend doing a leadership apprenticeship! The apprenticeship not only equips you with practical skills but also builds your confidence and emotional intelligence as a manager. It’s a worthwhile investment in your career and offers tools that can be applied immediately to improve your professional performance.

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.