Tell us about yourself and your background before joining the Kingspan Group Yours to Shape Graduate Programme.
My name is Reece, I’m originally from Manchester in the UK and I completed a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering over the course of the COVID pandemic. During my academic years I spent time as a senior swimming coach, which taught me a great deal about organisation and management. I was keen to get involved in the manufacturing industry as I appreciate the uniqueness of it, considering we’re now in a more services-based economy. and the idea of being involved in creating tangible products is quite attractive to me, and I think it provides a special type of fulfilment.
What role are you in now, and how did the Kingspan Group Yours to Shape Graduate Programme help you get there?
I am currently an Improvement Engineer which is effectively the same role given to me as a graduate employee, but with some more responsibility. I’m involved generally in manufacturing process improvement which can range from small, continuous improvements to larger projects that adapt the systems of work that people adhere to.
This role requires a key understanding of how people behave and are incentivised to do certain things. The management skills and personal development that the graduate programme focuses on correlate extensively with the role requirements mentioned. The skills acquired can be applied and stress tested in many ways which improve how you engage with colleagues, apply your creativity and generally advance your career skills.
Can you tell us about the guidance and support you’ve received as part of the Kingspan Group Yours to Shape graduate programme?
The support on the Kingspan Group Yours to Shape graduate programme was very impressive. From the dedicated Kingspan team to the programme facilitators, everyone was responsive and engaged, assisting wherever they could. The facilitators were clearly experienced and skilled in their field as they were quickly able to adapt their teachings in any given situation to suit the audience, you.
I particularly enjoyed the frequency of the exercises that we needed to complete during each of the modules as it kept the content fresh and front of mind. The balance was struck very well I think as I didn’t consider it a distraction from my day-to-day role but rather a complementary support mechanism for my approach to work.
What advice would you give to someone applying for this year’s Kingspan Group Yours to Shape programme?
The programme is designed at its core to develop you into an organised, well-rounded, self-sufficient employee. These qualities often allow an individual to develop into managers and key decision makers as they gain experience and become exposed to more situations to apply these crucial skills.
This show of faith by the company feels very constructive and you have the tools available to improve your life in many varied ways. Whether you are ambitious or want to feel a sense of security in your career trajectory, the Kingspan graduate programme can certainly help you achieve your career goals if you are willing.
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