Robert began his career in engineering in 1985, leaving school to study full time at KTA (Kirklees Training Association). The following year he secured a place on Reliance’s apprenticeship scheme. The scheme was different to what it is today, but it still took four years to complete.
After completing his apprenticeship Robert decided to go travelling and spent four years working his way around the Greek Islands. He remained in contact with Reliance, and on his return to the UK he applied for a position in the Turning department, setting up and operating the CNC turning and milling machinery. After four years, Robert moved into the Model Shop, where he was part of a team responsible for prototype development, creating processes and test procedures.
At the point when he was starting to consider his next move, Mr Selka, Reliance’s founder, approached him with a proposition to help create and run a company training school that would sit at the heart of the apprenticeship scheme. Excited for the challenge, Robert accepted and began to work on the five-year plan Mr Selka had devised.
Once the Training School had been in operation for a few years, Robert took up the role of Tool Room Team Leader. Still a part of the apprenticeship scheme, he managed a team of engineers producing tooling for production machines, whilst also supporting the apprentices in their learning. A few years later he was approached to work alongside the Works Manager providing operational support on projects, after which he moved into a newly created role as Reliance’s first dedicated Health & Safety Officer.
In 2016 Robert returned to the Training School as the Training School Manager. He explains “Managing the scheme is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance the learning process for our young apprentices, recognising they are the engineers of our future. Being part of their journey from recruitment through to graduation is a real privilege, and it’s wonderful to watch them flourish and develop as they progress through the business.”
In terms of his own journey, Robert reflects “My career at Reliance has been rewarding and diverse. I’ve had opportunities to branch out into lots of different areas, allowing me to expand my skillset and gain relevant qualifications along the way. I consider myself very fortunate to have worked alongside some highly motivated and talented individuals, recognising the positive impact this has had on me in both a professional and personal capacity.”
