Apprenticeship Week | Meet David Owen
To begin National Apprenticeship Week, we would like to introduce you to David Owen, our resident Master Craftsman with over 50 years Joinery experience.
David oversees all aspects of Specialist Academy’s daily operations and is there to offer help and support throughout. Our Apprentices benefit from his extensive knowledge and experience and his patient approach and mentoring ability cultivates the ideal environment for learning and skills development.
We asked David a few questions to find out his thoughts on Specialist Academy, see responses below:
- Tell us about your background?
I have been working in the Joinery Furniture industry for over 50 years in 3 different countries. I started with hand tools and now have skills in spraying, veneering, machining, the latest CNC Technology and City & Guilds Supervisory and Management. My role now is within the academy, training the apprentices to help develop the next generation of Joiners.
- How long have you been teaching in the academy?
I have been teaching in the Academy for 7 years, this has been a wonderfully rewarding, interesting and inspiring experience.
- Benefits of Specialist Academy?
Learning news skills in a variety of areas from hand tools to the latest machinery and also learning about a wide range of materials. The development of key communication and team working skills and helping others to achieve more together.
- Key skills you need to be a good joiner?
Have an interest in what you are doing and be hungry to learn. Good communication skills are a must also.
- Advice you would give to Apprentices who are considering the apprenticeship route?
Think very hard on what you would like to do as a career, you spend over 40 years of your life working and it’s a lot easier to do something you find satisfying and rewarding.
