Empowering the Next Generation: Brody Ellis Steps into Project Management

BCW interviewed one of their employees following the recent success on securing his HND and progressing to Project Engineer.  We caught up and asked him a series of questions about his education journey and his time at BCW.

Q: Talk to me about your time at BCW…..

I started my professional journey as a Toolroom Apprentice, specializing in the manual machining process. After gaining the basic skills needed, I transitioned to the Large CNC Department where I gained skills in 3-Axis & 5-Axis setting, programming and operating of large CNC machines, completing bespoke tooling to high quality. This helped me gain the skills I needed to pursue a role in project management, this was a significant elevation in my career and since then I’ve been approaching this role with great enthusiasm and look forward to advancing my career within BCW.

All whilst completing my apprenticeship I was studying at Burnley College completing my NVQ and then my HNC & HND to a high standard, something I am very proud of.

Q: Have you always worked in Engineering?

My professional career has always been rooted in engineering. After graduating high school, I went on to complete my Level 2 BTEC in Engineering at Nelson & Colne College, I served as a part-time 2D CAD designer. Upon successful completion of my academic program, I engaged in part-time roles, helping family members while seeking further professional opportunities.

Once I secured my Apprenticeship this started a pivotal point in my career. This role allowed me to apply and expand my engineering knowledge, contributing to my development within the industry.

Q: Why did engineering appeal to you?

My decision to pursue a career in engineering is mainly because of family influence, mostly from my father who has been a lifelong engineer. Growing up I helped at the weekend at his workplace where he worked as a maintenance manager. I saw the commitment and expertise my father showed and that influence made me more interested in the industry. I have also been into mountain biking my whole life so learnt at a young age how to maintain and repair my bikes, this all helped with my dedication to the engineering principle.

Q: What do you enjoy about your current role, and what do your daily activities look like?

I enjoy my current role because it is a big step up in the right direction of where I see my career going. I knew I had to spend some time on the shop floor, running machines and getting confident with the processes in the company before I could move into a more commercial role. My daily activities are dealing with project planning, and liaising with the shop floor supervisors to make sure that a project is running smoothly and on time. I also will contact suppliers to make sure everything is going to fit the plans created.

Q: What are your career aspirations?

I plan to further my career by gaining the experience and knowledge from doing this current job day to day and really get stuck into everything I can around the projects department. I would like to be in a managerial position in the future.

Q: Who are your mentors? Who inspires you?

One of my main mentors would be my dad, he has always helped me with any problems along the way of my career and personal life. He had always inspired me from a young age and developed me into the person that I am today, both in my career and personal life.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

“If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. The people who you surround yourself with, especially in your young adult life, will have a profound impact on the rest of your adulthood. Surrounding yourself with driven and intelligent people will influence you positively.”

Q: Would you recommend on-the-job learning?

Yes, definitely! It has helped me to gain all the qualifications and experience I need all at the same time. Being given the opportunity to do this is an honour and it’s something I would recommend to everyone.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

As a recent HND Graduate and recently promoted to project engineer I plan to learn and grow with BCW, I want to explore ways to plan projects to the best of my ability and find different ways to complete the operations of my job to benefit myself, the company and my colleagues.

I believe this allows to be valuable as I gain experience, hopefully putting me on the management track. I would like to work my way right to the top of the possible roles available.

BCW Design & Manufacture wish you luck on your future journey Brody!