In this success story, we spoke with Mark Reynolds, Quality Manager at Advanced Engineering Techniques, who shares the positive impact Harry Richards, Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprentice, has had on their entire organisation how he’s contributed to improving the company’s quality culture.
Advanced Engineering Techniques non-conformance reporting increased by 50%.
The apprenticeship training enhanced skills not only for Harry, the Quality Practitioner Apprentice, but also for the entire team.
About Advanced Engineering Techniques (AET)
AET is one of the region’s leading subcontract engineering providers, supplying products to a host of major sectors including Road Transport, Coach & Bus, Waste Solutions, Aerial Platforms, Security, Construction Equipment and Rail. AET are perfectly placed to supply finished and assembled components line-side with a comprehensive range of in-house services.
Harry Richards, Quality Practitioner Apprentice at AET
Harry Richards embarked on his Quality Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship at Advanced Engineering Techniques (AET) with the goal of enhancing his skills and contributing to the company’s quality culture. Under the guidance of Whyy? Change, Harry has excelled, becoming a pivotal figure in driving quality improvements.
One of Harry’s notable achievements was leading a project to create and train staff on the new non-conformance system. This initiative significantly enhanced the overall quality management at AET, demonstrating Harry’s ability to drive critical projects to success.
Harry’s dedication and achievements have been recognised with his attainment of Practitioner (PCQI) status and a promotion to Compliance Systems Coordinator, further validating the high-quality training provided by Whyy? Change.
What skills were you looking to gain / challenges were you looking to solve before your apprentice enrolled?
I joined the business whilst Harry was halfway through his apprenticeship course. What I would say is that the company needed to go through cultural change regarding quality; having additional people within the company will help drive quality improvements and quality culture.
What impact has the apprenticeship training had on your business?
The apprenticeship training has provided AET with an improvement in skills not only with Harry but with the overall team, there has been a noticeable change in the work levels that have come from the skills and confidence that Harry has gained.
How has your apprentice transformed your company’s projects, strategies, or overall direction?
At AET we have struggled with engagement. By gaining knowledge and confidence from the apprenticeship, Harry has helped drive the culture of change and engagement, which has been to improve the communication with the non-conformance management system. A project that Harry conducted helped create and train out a new non-conformance system, which allowed for easy reporting and feedback, which supported in the engagement. Non-conformance reporting has since increased by 50%.
What was your experience like with Whyy? Change?
Whyy? Change has been very supportive throughout the apprenticeship and has always been there for the apprentice, even when there was a change in manager for the apprentice, the support was there to make sure nothing was overlooked.
What changes have you noticed since your apprentice started their course?
I didn’t know the apprentice before the start of the Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship, but from the last year of the course I have seen a change in his willingness to do whatever is needed to get the job completed and support the team. His knowledge of the quality principles has grown and allows me to bounce ideas off him as a sounding board for quality activities. He has definitely found the right path in his career and has more to offer.
What would you say to other businesses considering apprenticeships?
I would always promote apprenticeships and this experience has only strengthened my thoughts, I would say don’t be against having an apprentice who have already gained education in other fields, as it will mean you have a well rounded individual who can improve your team and business.
Would you recommend us to other businesses? If so, why?
Yes – Whyy? Change are a strong apprenticeship provider with great communication and knowledge, they always put the apprentice first which shows from the grades and skills the apprentice comes out with. I would also like to thank Whyy? Change for providing me with an excellent employee who will only strengthen my department and the business going forward.
About the Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship
The Quality Practitioner Level 4 apprenticeship standard will equip learners with the knowledge, skills and tools to improve your business processes, reduce non-conformance and implement quality management systems.
Identify the critical inputs to unravel the root cause issues and how to bring the other team members along the change journey to transform your business.
What they’ll learn:
Quality Planning
Develop a delivery system for reliable outputs, such as implementing Quality Management Plans for your organisation.
Quality Assurance
Expand your interpersonal skills to interact effectively with stakeholders. Management of risk and compliance requirements both legally and from other parties.
Quality Control
Develop knowledge of change management and key drivers for change. Learn to verify that a product or service is meeting agreed specifications, such as carrying out inspections and audits.
Continuous Improvement
Understand and use Quality tools and techniques such as DMAIC, PDCA and Root Cause Analysis to improve awareness and quality performance, including 6Sigma.
Join our next Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship cohort, starting in May & November.
Have questions? Book a call with our Head of Business Growth, Anne Wilson MBE: annewilson@whyychange.com
Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship
