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Daren's story

Former Apprentice Darren at his workplace Transcontinental

Daren Chesworth from Garden Village, Wrexham attributes his career success to his apprenticeship. Starting out on the factory floor, he is now managing a £30 million global company.

Taking initiative and forging a career

When Daren, now 31, left school he found himself working on the factory floor, carrying out general maintenance. After deciding he wanted to forge an engineering career for himself, Daren took the bold move and approached his employer about the possibility of undertaking an apprenticeship. 

After finishing his Degree apprenticeship in Electronic Engineering, Daren has since been promoted to maintenance manager at TC Transcontinental, where he is responsible for running the main department and training new apprentices.  Daren is also part-way through his MPhil/PhD in Maintenance Strategy, managing the maintenance of assets of up to £30 million. 

Daren has risen through the academic ranks with his apprenticeship 

Daren said: “While gaining hands-on experience in mechanical and electrical engineering, I’ve been able to rise through the academic ranks. I’ve now completed my Degree in Electronic Engineering, and I’m half way through my PhD in Maintenance Strategy.”

Dr Keith Vidamour, Engineering Manager at TC Transcontinental, said: “Daren started with us ten years ago and since then he’s set an incredibly high standard for others to follow. 

“For us, having apprentices means we get to teach and inspire the next generation, training them for the specific roles we need. Since taking on Daren as an apprentice, we’ve discovered the benefits apprenticeships can bring and now see apprentices as key in our recruitment strategy going forward.”


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