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Meet the Team: Riley Chamberlain, Apprentice Tool Maker

Meet Riley, an Apprentice Tool Maker for Flexiteek, learning and helping to develop both Flexiteek decking and Wilks fendering.

What drew you to this apprenticeship program?

I first met Flexiteek at the apprenticeship evening at my Sixth Form College. I felt that they represented the company as a friendly, welcoming, family-based workplace, which was exactly what I was looking for. The work that I was shown I would be doing during the apprenticeship grabbed my attention and was something that I was interested in. It built upon what I had learned in my current Level 2 course. So, I felt that I could further my knowledge while also using what I had learned from the institute.

What are you hoping to achieve during your apprenticeship?

During my apprenticeship, I would like to further my knowledge. Both in engineering and my ability to design and create tools from scratch using different machinery and online design systems. This will allow me to become more confident and competent in the work I may do in the future and in the work I do for Flexiteek in creating the tools.

What have you enjoyed about your job so far and what have you learnt?

In the time that I have worked here, I have enjoyed the work I have been doing and learning the best ways to complete the tasks I have been given. I appreciate most how much I have learnt during my time here. My knowledge about the company and the design of the product has improved. I have also appreciated how I have not only discussed the tooling but also how the company operates as a whole, including the manufacturing of the product and how that is carried out.

Are there any particular skills or areas you’re excited to learn more about while you’re here?

I am really interested in learning how to design tools. By using the 2D design system in order to create a tool that would be used on the shop floor to produce a product for customers. The 2D design tool is complex but creative, and it makes me eager to learn how to create the tooling and drawings for when we manufacture the tool. I am also interested in making different tools and the process involved in doing that.

From what you have done so far, would you recommend an apprenticeship?

From what I have done so far, I feel that an apprenticeship is the best way to go. As you get experience in the industry that you work in but also get the qualification at the same time. You also get the experience of making a product for a reason that will help something bigger. I think that apprenticeships are useful because you can also get taught one-on-one while creating something that will most likely be used at the same time.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to go out with my friends to play football and catch up with them. I also really enjoy going to the gym and pushing myself to become stronger and fitter. Additionally, I enjoy watching football as I am a big fan. Whenever I can, I enjoy go-karting and competing with others, as I am very competitive.

ABOUT FLEXITEEK INTERNATIONAL AND WILKS

Flexiteek create beautifully engineered synthetic decking and marine products.

Flexiteek launched in 2000 with a revolutionary synthetic decking product. Now available in its second generation, Flexiteek is available in over thirty colour combinations and is trusted by over two hundred global boat builders.

Wilks marine fendering products have been produced in the UK for over 50 years. Wilks have a wide range of fendering options available and renowned customer service from the UK based sales team.

PRESS CONTACTS

All press and media enquiries to Steve Moore – Marketing Manager.  

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Call: +44 (0) 1621 869609