We asked the Board to share why they chose to become a Trustee and what they have gained from their time in the role so far.

Giles Lawton: “My Trustee journey started over 20 years ago. MGTS were carrying out some quality management work at Lawton Tubes and the former CEO asked me if I would like to become a Trustee. He was newly appointed to the role and wanted some new faces on the Board.

“I was interested in gaining experience outside of my current role at the time and MGTS presented an excellent opportunity for achieving this. It enabled me to work with a group of very experienced local employers as I was only in my early 30’s, allowing an insight into how their businesses worked and providing ideas I could use at Lawton Tubes. Over time I became Deputy Chair and was promoted to Chairman in 2009. This provided the opportunity to take a more strategic view of MGTS, working with the CEO to make senior appointments and investment decisions.

“During my time at MGTS I have gained a wealth of knowledge, both personally and commercially. I have made a lot of contacts, ones who have helped MGTS and others which have proved useful to Lawton Tubes.

“I have enjoyed my time at MGTS immensely and hope to continue to do so.”

Tony Watson (Since November 2008): “I’ve always had a passion for developing both people and processes and was instrumental in setting up the apprenticeship scheme in my previous organisation. The MGTS Training & Development Adviser who I worked closely with during that period recognised these qualities and nominated me for the Trustee position. Fifteen years later I still have that passion and hope that my contribution to the governance of MGTS over the years has been beneficial to all parties.

“Apart from the comradeship of working with the Board of Trustees, I have had the pleasure of not only seeing MGTS maintain its position during a very volatile period during the pandemic crisis, but to also come through the other side with growth and expansion plans. Furthermore, through my position as Trustee I was presented with a new challenge when Giles Lawton approached me to join his team at Lawton Tubes to improve the organisation’s supply chain, stock management, quality and operational processes…some 13 years later I’m still going strong as the company continues to expand its product portfolio and operational capacity.”

Kevan Kane (Since November 2011): “My aim as a Trustee is to promote manufacturing in the region, help shape the service offered by MGTS and ultimately encourage young adults to consider a career path in manufacturing. The role has given me a good understanding of the ever-changing world and challenges that MGTS face.”

Tracy Reynolds (Since March 2019): “I became a Trustee to support the engineering industry from an employer’s perspective and provide feedback to MGTS on the business issues some companies are facing. Throughout this role I have gained an understanding of how a charity runs and how MGTS must make balanced, informed decisions about the short/long term strategy of the business whilst working within tight budgets. I have also learned about the difficulty of recruiting individuals who have an engineering background and a passion for training delivery. As an employer I have been able to better understand the changes in safeguarding by having an appreciation of the actions MGTS takes to safeguard and support the younger generation.”

Daniel Montgomery (Since May 2020): “I chose to become a Trustee to both broaden my skillset and give something back. My day-to-day work largely involves making operational decisions and I’m very close to the detail. By contrast, whilst being a Trustee does involve providing guidance and support to the executive team on operational matters when required, the governance aspect of remaining impartial and holding the executive team to account is a very different mindset. When an entity functions effectively at Board level the Trustee role can be a mutually beneficial relationship. This is most definitely the case at MGTS.”

Steven Marson (Since May 2022): “I chose to become a Trustee to give something back to an amazing Industry. I have been able to gain an insight into the wonderful work MGTS does in developing both the existing and next generation of engineers across the Midlands and the UK.”

Neil Foster (Since May 2023): “I worked closely with MGTS to build and develop successful Technical Apprenticeship programs at my last two employers. I think the structure and approach that MGTS adopts enables apprentices to enter the workplace with the right skills and attitude to work. I fully believe that in the not-too-distant future when these young people progress to senior roles within UK engineering companies, it will lead to a renaissance and growth in UK manufacturing. As a Trustee I wanted to utilise my skills and experience to support MGTS in making this happen. The role has also helped my own professional development by giving me an insight into engineering management from an educational standpoint.”

Jill Mustard (Since May 2024): “I have been teaching apprentices for over 25 years, at colleges, universities and private training providers, including being part of the teaching team at MGTS for 13 years. I am also a Coventry time served apprentice, so I am very invested in apprenticeship training. When I was asked to consider the role of Trustee, I decided that this was a very positive way of still being involved and continuing to support apprentices as well as the engineering industry in the local area.

“Having been part of the team at MGTS, I know how delivery takes place for the apprentices, especially at classroom level, but I also understand the practical workshop training too. I know many of the staff and hope that I can help support them to do the best that they can for the apprentices. I understand how the various awarding bodies work with their external verification processes and feel that I can bring this knowledge to the Board so that they can understand more of the comments made by these Awarding organisations to further develop and improve delivery at MGTS.  Consistency, reliability and quality are incredibly important in everything we do in life, and I want to help to enhance these at MGTS for the apprentices.

“I hope that, by being a Trustee, I can ask useful probing questions which will bring extra depth to current thinking, enable staff to initiate new ideas and processes to strengthen and improve the educational and quality sides of the various training programmes at MGTS.”

We’d like to acknowledge our appreciation and thank all Board members for their ongoing commitment to MGTS.

Pictured:
Top row – Jill Mustard | Daniel Montgomery | Giles Lawton
Middle row – Kevan Kane | Caro Bell | Neil Foster
Bottom row – Tony Watson | Steven Marson | Tracy Reynolds

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Adam, please give an overview of your new role and what attracted you to it.

“In my new role as Curriculum Manager at MGTS, I lead the development and implementation of our engineering apprenticeship programme for our Further Education provision, which covers Level 3 BTEC and Level 4 HNC. I’m tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of our FE division, trying to provide our apprentices with a positive learning experience. Working alongside our talented team of nine tutors, each with extensive knowledge and industrial expertise, we offer apprentices a comprehensive understanding of the engineering industry, contextualising curriculum criteria effectively. Additionally, I provide training and support to ensure our tutors deliver the curriculum effectively and align with the programme objectives.

“What drew me to this role was the opportunity to join a nationally recognised training provider renowned for its industrial partnerships with a wide range of business sectors. I’m excited to contribute to shaping the next generation of engineers and ensuring the industry’s skill requirements are met. MGTS’ longstanding staff tenure reflects a commitment to excellence and longevity, aligning perfectly with my desire for a long-term career with a reputable company.”

Tell us about the skills and qualities from your background that you bring to the role.

“My journey from the leaving the Infantry back in 2009 to becoming a Curriculum Manager in 2024 has equipped me with invaluable skills and qualities. Transitioning from the British Army to teaching within Prison Education demanded adaptability and resilience, which I cultivated over seven years of teaching experience. Progressing into management roles, such as Vocational Manager then Hub Manager honed my leadership abilities and strategic thinking. My time as Contracts Delivery Manager for a NEET (not engaged in education, employment, or training) contract underscored my commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals, while my role as Head of Learning for a Construction Training Provider showcased my capacity to tailor education to diverse learner needs. Throughout my career I’ve navigated various funding streams and regulatory bodies, ensuring effective program delivery. I have been involved in five Ofsted inspections throughout my career with all of them achieving an outcome of Good, so I have a strong understanding of the expectations on our tutors and how I need to support them to ensure that we are delivering dynamic and engaging lessons.”

How have you found your initial period with MGTS?

“I’ve already gained valuable insights into MGTS’ operations and what my primary objectives are: building robust relationships with other Senior Leadership Team members, staff, employers, and apprentices to effective curriculum management and delivery. The welcoming atmosphere from all staff has facilitated a smooth transition into MGTS. As expected with any new role, the early weeks pose challenges as I familiarise myself with the organisation’s processes and procedures, trying to integrate and contribute positively from the outset. Despite the learning curve, I’ve found the role fulfilling and aligned with my expectations, thanks to the supportive environment and structured approach within the company. I feel valued already for what I bring to the table and that I am having a positive impact and moving in the right direction. There is a positive culture within the business, hence the longevity of staff. I can see myself at MGTS for a long time.”

What most are you looking forward to as you progress in the role?

“I’m really excited about being involved in our apprentices’ entire journey, from start to finish. In my previous roles, the courses were short and focused on quickly upskilling learners for employment, so I never had the chance to see them grow and develop as individuals. Here at MGTS, I’ll get to witness learners’ progress over a 4-year period and be there to celebrate their graduation – which is why I got into education in the first place. Additionally, I’m eager to see where MGTS is heading in the future. With its impressive nearly 60-year history and continued growth, I’m proud to be part of such a dynamic organisation and excited to contribute positively to its legacy.”

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Dagne comments: “I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship. MGTS took engineering to the basics, ensuring that everyone was completely confident with what they were doing. The staff and Tutors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Having previously had a poor experience with another provider I believe that MGTS’ training is second to none.

“Whilst training at MGTS I also gained a HNC qualification in engineering, which was a fantastic experience and helped me further my knowledge of engineering and project management. I feel my whole apprenticeship, both hands on and academic, has put me in a good position to succeed in my future career as an engineer.”

Lee Beesley, Dagne’s Training & Development Adviser (TDA), tells us: “Dagne was always diligent and focused on his learning. His retention of information was excellent, and he consistently strove to excel. I admired that he was willing to support other apprentices, offering his help whenever needed.”

For anyone considering an engineering apprenticeship with MGTS Dagne comments: “I discovered my apprenticeship through the MGTS website and found the application process easy to navigate. The Recruitment team were very supportive and helped me through the process of finding an apprenticeship that was tailored to what I wanted to do. The guidance and support of my TDA was invaluable. He ensured that I worked to the best of my ability, giving clear examples of where I could achieve the learning objectives within company. I feel proud to call myself an MGTS apprentice and a trained engineer.”

Congratulations Dagne!

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As a parent of both a boy and a girl who play for Sphinx Coventry Football Club, we decided to team up with the Club to support funding for kit, footballs and other requirements for their U11’s team, in return for promoting MGTS engineering apprenticeships.

Lee can regularly be found on the touchline on a Saturday and Sunday morning cheering on Sphinx teams and is also part of the Parents Committee. He tells us: “The Club are grateful for the support from MGTS which they say is a big help towards the cost of running a junior football team.”

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The Duke of Kent was introduced to a number of civic dignitaries including the Mayor of Redditch, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire and the Chair of Worcestershire County Council.

Guests were presented with an overview of MGTS by Chief Executive David Bridgens, who highlighted the successes and challenges of the business. This was followed by a tour of the training centre during which His Royal Highness met engineering apprentices and MGTS staff.

Apprentices Megan Childs (Heller Machine Tools) and Nicholas Packwood (Honeywell Hymatic) together with Technical Trainer John Miller spoke with The Duke of Kent about core engineering skills linked to machining, inspection techniques and assembly skills. They also provided an example of a complex component that apprentices would manufacture at the end of their first year of training.

The next stage of the tour covered the Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance Programme area. Steve Palmer, Director of Delivery and Development explained how MGTS had secured a contract with Morrisons to train their engineering maintenance apprentices on a national basis and talked about the level of investment by both MGTS and industry partners. Norbert Dylo (Princes Foods) and James Cooper (Morrisons) gave a demonstration of electro-pneumatics circuits explaining how they were relevant in the Food and Drink industry.

His Royal Highness was then introduced to two apprentices from Thorlux Lighting, Jacob Paine and Morgan Reynolds, who along with Technical Trainer Aaron Singh demonstrated a miniaturised version of a ‘state of the art’ production line. They explained how the highly automated system was used to train apprentices to set up, program and use instrumentation to pinpoint faults or broken components on a factory production line. The apprentices also demonstrated their programming skills by printing personalised product labels bearing The Duke of Kent’s title.

Finally MGTS Chairman, Giles Lawton thanked The Duke of Kent for visiting the training centre before His Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

David Bridgens commented, “It was an honour for us to meet The Duke of Kent and see how interested His Royal Highness was in the engineering apprenticeship programmes and how MGTS were supporting the local region regarding skills development.”

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