Talented apprentice, Greg Kasowicz is celebrating after being told he has been shortlisted as trainee of the year in the prestigious British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Awards.
Bosses at Derbyshire based Gowercroft Joinery nominated him after the work he did led to massive business benefits for them. Greg’s role in revolutionising the specialist joinery company’s production planning and purchasing processes caught the attention of the judges at the BWF who have 700 member organisations across the UK.
The prestigious BWF Woodworking Awards showcase the best of UK joinery, recognising the projects, products, processes and people that have demonstrated woodworking excellence in the last year. The Trainee of the Year Award celebrates the success of the rising stars of the joinery industry.
When Greg joined Gowercroft Joinery as a sales administration apprentice he impressed his employers from the word go but it was only when he spent time in the production department as part of his apprenticeship did they see the full extent of his talents. Realising what Greg had to offer, the company worked with Learning Unlimited to adapt his apprenticeship to suit the new role they wanted him to work in.
In just a few months, Greg had worked with Directors to design and implement a new production and planning system that is proving invaluable, bringing massive benefits including saving time and money, streamlining production and improving customer service.
He didn’t stop there though. He has redesigned and adapted the purchasing and stock control systems and has new responsibilities as part of the company’s quality control processes too.
Greg started his apprenticeship after his A Levels and a short time working in manufacturing when he was looking for a way to develop his business skills. He said:
“The responsibilities I have been given as part of my apprenticeship and the people I’m working with have given me a lot of opportunities to learn about business and gain experience, which will hopefully help me run my own business in future. Winning this award would confirm that hard work does breed success and give me the confidence to take on more responsibility.”
Managing Director of Gowercroft Joinery, Andrew Madge said:
“We’re delighted that Greg has been shortlisted for this award. He has made a big impact on the business and he really deserves some recognition for the drive and commitment that he has shown since he has been with us.”
“It is fantastic that we have been able to take this flexible approach to adapt his apprenticeship working to his strengths and filling a gap in our organisation. That’s why we love apprenticeships as a way to develop our workforce.”
Winners of the 2016 Awards are to be announced at the BWF’s Annual Dinner on 4 October at the National Motorcycle Museum which will be hosted by Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards.