Rowan Crozier, CEO of Brandauer, has highlighted how apprenticeships can significantly impact the workforce, especially in manufacturing. Since 2016, the company has invested more than £400,000 into vocational learning, resulting in a transformation of its workforce. With this investment, Brandauer has been able to create toolmakers, engineers, quality specialists, and logistics experts, ultimately reducing the average age of the workforce to just 44 years old.
How Apprenticeships Drive Business Evolution
This influx of youth and energy has been fundamental in helping Brandauer evolve into a world-class supplier of precision stamped components and tooling to customers in over 26 different countries. Many apprentices have been sponsored to complete degree courses and HNCs, with Adam Burgoyne now holding the position of Operations Lead, responsible for several critical business functions, including facilities, management systems, and quality.
Tailored Apprenticeship Programs to Meet Business Needs
"When we re-introduced our apprenticeship scheme, we wanted to make it different from what we had previously, tailoring it to not only meet the needs of learners but, importantly, to deliver the skills and attitudes we wanted at Brandauer," explained Rowan, who sits on Make UK’s Industrial Strategy Skills Commission Advisory Board. The company partnered with In-Comm Training to create internal mentors and give apprentices responsibility for key projects, including face masks and visors during Covid-19 and, more recently, driving the company’s Net Zero 2030 journey.
The Key Role of Apprenticeships in Safeguarding Vital Skills
Importantly, Brandauer has managed to reduce the average age of the company from 58 years old to 44, safeguarding vital skills for the foreseeable future. It’s not just apprentices either; Brandauer actively encourages staff to bring their children to work, participate in STEM placements, and is one of the founders of the critically acclaimed Design & Make Challenge.
New Talent in the Workforce: Apprenticeship Success Stories
Tom Madge is the latest apprentice to join Brandauer, starting as the company’s new Sales and Marketing Coordinator. The 22-year-old will work directly with Rowan and Technical Sales Manager Graham Allison to help digitize the firm’s lead generation system and support social media, SEO optimization, and content on the company’s website. He will also collaborate with Cucumber PR on the business’s external relationship and communications, using his photography skills to showcase Brandauer’s operations and product development.
The Growing Value of Apprenticeships for Career Development
“Marketing was always my passion, but I had previously struggled to find a way in, spending some time in retail,” commented Tom. “Then I had a chance conversation with Rowan, who suggested some work experience at Brandauer and at our marketing company S2F. This was fantastic and gave me the opportunity to refocus my career and gain new skills. When he invited me to become the company’s first-ever Marketing Apprentice, I jumped at the opportunity and am now looking forward to securing my Level 4 and helping boost lead generation and sales in the process.”
A Promising Future: The Long-Term Benefits of Apprenticeships
Rowan concluded: “Tom’s hunger to learn really impressed me, and I think he’ll bring plenty of energy and new skills into the company. Marketing is something we invest heavily in, and it will be great to get some internal expertise in place too! He’s got a really big future with us.”
