At Silicone Engineering, investing in people is just as important as investing in products, processes, and innovation.
Working closely with local colleges and training providers, we continue to support apprenticeship programmes that help develop the next generation of skilled professionals across our business.
One such success story is Diego Jepson. Having joined Silicone Engineering as a Business Administration apprentice, Diego has progressed into his current role as Logistics Co-ordinator, where he plays an important part in ensuring materials, customer orders, and international shipments move efficiently through the business.
As part of her apprenticeship coursework, Tamanna Ali recently sat down with Diego to learn more about his journey, the skills he has developed, and his experience progressing from apprentice to a key member of the logistics team.
Behind the Role
In manufacturing, logistics is a vital function that connects production with the customer.
Silicone Engineering supplies customers across more than five continents, with over 70% of products exported internationally. Behind every shipment is a team responsible for ensuring materials are received, stock is managed, orders are processed accurately, and products arrive with customers on time.
As Logistics Co-ordinator, Diego plays a key role in supporting these activities, helping ensure the smooth movement of goods throughout the supply chain.
In Conversation with Diego
How long have you worked for the company?
I have been working with this company for around 2 years now, During this time I have developed a strong understanding of my role and contributed consistently to my teams objectives.
What apprenticeship course have you completed?
The course I completed at Blackburn College as part of my apprenticeship was Business administration level 3.
What are the most valuable skills you have gained during your apprenticeship?
My Communication skills have drastically changed since I first started the apprenticeship, I’ve learned how to communicate professionally with colleagues, managers and the customers.
I deal with within my job role. And adapting my communication style depending on the situation.
Another skill I gained / enhanced during my apprenticeship was my time management skills due to the given tasks I received at college, I wanted to ensure my work was done and submitted on time meeting the given deadlines. That way this made me more organised with everything that was going on in terms of prioritising my own work load and getting jobs done.
How has your confidence in your role changed since you started?
When I began my Apprenticeship I was still finding my feet as everything was new to me, which meant I often would rely on other colleagues for guidance on the tasks I was given.
Over time as I gained more experience with my workload/ tasks so I became familiar with the tasks. My confidence has grown significantly over the course of my apprenticeship, I now feel more than happy taking on more responsibilities, making decisions, communicating with colleagues and working independently.
Overall I’ve gone from feeling unsure and inexperienced to feeling confident in any given talk within my role.
What new technical or soft skills are you most proud of?
I would say I’m most proud of my skills I have developed with the use of Excel as they have drastically changed from when I first started. I use excel for all the spreadsheets we use in
Despatch to keep up to date with the shipments / carriage costs.
My Team work skills have developed since starting my apprenticeship as I’m working with different people which has made me more collaborative and adaptable with the given tasks.
How would you describe the support you have received from team as well as the company?
I have received strong support from my team and other individuals within the company. From the beginning my team has been welcoming patient and always willing to help, they have taken their time to go through and explain the process we do within the team, they answered any questions I had asked and helped guide me through tasks so I could build confidence at my own pace. Overall the support I received from my colleagues and the business made a huge difference in helping me settle into my job role.
Did the apprenticeship meet your expectations overall?
The apprenticeship has met my expectations as I wanted to learn about my job role and its responsibility’s but also have the hands on experience with the processes which the job entailed.
What achievement during your apprenticeship are you most proud of?
One achievement I’m most proud of is that I managed to be in full control of the American customers/shipments and is fully competent in doing this on my own without any supervision.
Looking Ahead
Diego’s story highlights the opportunities that apprenticeships can provide, combining hands-on experience with professional development and long-term career progression.
At Silicone Engineering, we remain committed to supporting apprenticeship programmes and developing future talent across the business. We look forward to welcoming a new apprentice later this year and continuing to invest in the next generation of manufacturing professionals.