Background: From Shop Floor to Leadership 

Craig Brown’s journey with his company began at just 16 years old. By his early thirties, he had already been promoted to Chargehand, and later to Shop Floor Manager. However, Craig candidly admits that despite his natural leadership skills, he lacked the formal management training needed to excel in people management and operational efficiency. 

Reflecting on this, Craig shared:
“When I was promoted, it was because of my work ethic and potential, not necessarily because I had the management skills. I could handle the technical side of things, but managing people and processes was new to me.” 

In 2013, Craig faced a significant challenge when he was asked to set up a new workshop abroad. He trained engineers on new machinery and developed processes from scratch. “If I’d had the project management training I later gained through the apprenticeship, I would have approached it completely differently. I would’ve documented everything, planned better, and considered all the risks. It would have saved a lot of headaches.” 

Choosing the Apprenticeship Route 

Recognising the need to develop his skills further, Craig decided to pursue the Team Leader and Supervisor Apprenticeship with MTC Training. “I chose this path because I wanted to not only learn new skills but also embed them into my everyday work. It wasn’t just about getting a qualification; it was about making a real difference in my role.” 

Craig’s apprenticeship wasn’t just about learning; it was about transforming his approach to leadership. Here’s what he shared about the tangible changes he implemented: 

1. Toolbox Talks:
   “I introduced Toolbox Talks to get the team together every 4-6 weeks. It’s a forum where everyone can share feedback, good news, or suggestions. Since starting these sessions, there’s been a noticeable improvement in team morale. People feel more valued and are more engaged.” 
2. Flexible Overtime System:
   “Previously, only about 15% of our team would volunteer for overtime. We struggled to get the coverage we needed on bigger projects. By introducing a flexible system where employees can choose to come in early or stay late to fit around their personal lives, we’ve now got 100% of the workforce willing to do overtime. It’s been a game-changer.”
3. Streamlined Processes for Efficiency:
   Craig identified a particular process where engineers were spending up to two hours manually logging parts. “I realised we were wasting a lot of time. Now, we’ve automated that process with a simple spreadsheet, and we even brought in an admin person to handle the entries. That change alone saved us about 10% in efficiency.” 
4. Formalising HR Processes:
   “One of the things I worked on was setting up a more structured process for handling staff sickness and back-to-work forms. It’s helped me support my team better and address any issues quickly.” 

Craig’s Focus on Continuous Improvement 

Craig is passionate about using the time saved through efficiency improvements to reinvest in his team. “I’ve started using training metrics to identify skill gaps, not just for the business but also for what my team members want to develop personally. My goal is to keep the team engaged and motivated by focusing on their growth.” 

When asked if the apprenticeship was worth it, Craig was unequivocal:
“Absolutely. The difference I’ve seen, not just in myself but across my team, has been huge. I’m now more confident in writing reports for the CEO, and I make sure everything—from grammar to spelling—is spot on.” 

Regarding managing his time during the apprenticeship, Craig explained:
“You have to prioritise. The 20% off-the-job training time might seem like a lot, but the benefits are clear. I’ve also learned different time management techniques, like using priority charts and to-do lists, to keep on top of tasks. It’s made me more efficient.” 

Craig’s advice to anyone thinking about an apprenticeship is straightforward:
“If you’re going to do it, put the time in. Take the learning seriously and apply it in your role. That’s where you’ll see the real value.” 

Outcomes for the Company 

Since completing his apprenticeship, Craig has taken on additional responsibilities, leading to tangible business outcomes: 

• Worldwide business development and coaching, resulting in increased sales and revenue. 

• Introducing new efficiency measures, leading to a 10% increase in overall efficiency. 

• Motivating his team with Toolbox Talks, flexible working arrangements, and formalised HR procedures, which has improved staff engagement and retention. 

• Creating and refining training and HR policies, ensuring a more structured approach to staff development. 

Invest in Your Future: Project Management Workshop at MTC Training 

As Craig’s journey shows, strong project management skills are essential in today’s fast-paced business world. MTC Training offers a one-day interactive Project Management workshop aimed at non-project managers to help you: 

• Gain practical skills to manage projects effectively 

• Understand project terminology and the project lifecycle 

• Plan, manage, and report on projects efficiently 

• Prepare for contingencies and evaluate project outcomes 

For more information and to book your place, please contact Michelle Francis at michelle@mtc-training.co.uk or visit www.mtc-training.co.uk.