A wide and varied range of career opportunities have opened up across the Broxap group of companies.
As we shine a light on the achievements of some of our female employees as part of this year’s International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED21), we’re encouraging more new talent to join our teams.
We’re looking for people with a positive attitude to support our business in an assortment of positions from engineering drawing checkers to production operatives.
Our #EngineeringHeroes
We believe manufacturing is vital to the recovery of the UK economy post pandemic and are looking for people from a broad range of backgrounds to share their skills and talents as we #buildbackstronger.
Oliva Brearley is an apprentice fabricator in our shelters and streetscene divisions.
She joined Broxap two years ago and has now achieved her Level 3 NVQ in Fabrication and Welding Engineering.
Olivia, aged 29, said: “I went on work experience with my uncle in Year 10 at a fabrication place in West Yorkshire where I’m from.
“And really that’s what I wanted to do ever since. After school I went in retail and then I almost become an optical consultant. I tried electrical assembly but finally I decided to follow what I really wanted to do and go into welding.
“Initially some places did literally laugh at me when I started looking for jobs. But eventually I got on a Level 2 course and joined Broxap for my Level 3.
“I might be the only woman on the team, and the only one on my course, but all my colleagues are brilliant.
“And I love my job. I find it fascinating, from starting a project to the finished product. I just wish I’d done it sooner.”
The theme of #INWED21 is #EngineeringHeroes.
Olivia said: “My Uncle Andy first sparked my interest and used to bring me things he’d made, he got me thinking ‘I want to do that.’
“My other heroes are Barbie The Welder, a metal sculptor from America. She is a real role model for women wanting to get into the industry.
“Jessi Combs, who died in 2019, was also a US metal fabricator and professional racer who created some fantastic work.
“Together they have really shown that there is a place for women in the trade and I hope their profile encourages other women to go and pursue their interests.”
Melissa Stevens joined Broxap 15 years ago and today plays a key role in the development of one of our flagship products – litter and recycling bins.
Now general manager for our litter bins division, she is passionate about the design, development and operation of the products made on site at our North Staffordshire plant.
But it wasn’t until she was given an insight into manufacturing engineering and the systems involved that she realised her skills for finding the most efficient way to turn raw materials into a finished product.
She said: “I pick our products apart and put them back together again to make an even better product.
“I come at everything from a very practical, common sense point of view. I’m not a welder but I’m asking the questions and finding the answers that make our bins the best on the market: how can they function better, what materials are we using, how are they put together, what’s the resulting quality and cost?
“Everything I’ve learned has been from coming to work, going out on the shop floor, asking questions, and getting to know every aspect of what’s involved in making those litter bins.
“Some years ago, when the production of litter bins was based in Nottingham, I was working with the then technical adviser Jacek Lukowski and he had the time and patience to answer my questions and that’s when I really started learning.
“What started out as an admin job evolved to the point where now I’m able to get into the development side of our products, working with our technical director Tom Elliot.
“Design and development fascinate me, I want everything to be just right, and that’s where my passion really lies. If I don’t know how something works or why we do something in a certain way, I make it my job to find out.”
Making a difference
At Broxap we are committed to UK manufacturing and our fabrication plant operates from the same site as our commercial teams, ensuring seamless communication and interaction between departments and divisions.
That’s why we champion high standards across the board. From sales to build, delivery to installation, we want every element of the customer journey to be right first time.
Our current vacancies include:
- Project Draughtsperson
- Bench joiner
- Production quality systems manager
- Skilled steel fabricators
- CAD technician
- Installer
- Production operatives
- Technical sales adviser
- Trainee project sales estimator
- Digital graphic designer
- Trainee Technical Sales Adviser
If you are interested in applying, download and complete an application form and send with your CV and covering letter to:
HR Department, Rowhurst Industrial Estate, Chesterton, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffs, ST5 6BD or e-mail [email protected]