Rhys Goulden, Head of Procurement at Faltec Europe, has successfully translated his childhood passion for cars and engineering into a thriving career within the Northeast automotive industry, demonstrating the value of an apprenticeship as a pathway to building a successful career from the ground up.
Tell us about your apprenticeship experience and what initially inspired you to pursue this career path?
Whilst studying at Oxclose Community School, we were made aware of apprenticeship opportunities through Connexions Advisers, who support young people with impartial careers information, advice and guidance.
My interest in cars and engineering led me to pursue a Level 3 Mechanical and Electrical qualification at Newcastle College. Following this, I joined Unipres as a Die Maintenance apprentice, embarking on a demanding five-year program studying at Gateshead College.
To further enhance my skillset, I concurrently pursued a Management degree at Sunderland University in my own time. Some would say I was a boring 19 year old, studying Tuesday and Thursday evening and Saturdays. However, in 2017 I successfully completed my studies with a 2:1 in Applied Management alongside my Level 3 HNC.
Where did you go from here and were there any highlights?
I continued my career at Unipres and began with a rotational program, which provided me with valuable insights into various departments. I quickly found my niche in Purchasing, leveraging my technical skills gained through my apprenticeship.
As a Purchasing Engineer a key highlight was leading a Tier 2 cost-saving project involving 50 tools in China, requiring extensive travel and culminating in the successful launch of a new vehicle. This was a fantastic experience and incredibly satisfying to following a project through from concept to launch of the car.
I also pursued a part-time Engineering degree apprenticeship, becoming the first employee to undertake this type of training within the company.
Two years ago, I joined Faltec Europe as Head of Procurement, which was a step forward in my professional and personal development.
How did your apprenticeship shape your understanding of what it takes to lead and manage a team effectively?
Apprenticeships provide a unique foundation for future leaders in the automotive sector. By starting early, you gain a deep understanding of the industry’s culture and demands. This experience equips you with the knowledge and empathy to effectively lead and manage teams. My own apprenticeship, which included early responsibilities like cleaning and monitoring equipment, instilled a strong work ethic and resilience – qualities that are essential for success in any leadership role.
What technical or soft skills did you develop during your apprenticeship that you still rely on today as a senior manager?
Technical skills such as interpreting engineering drawings, utilising CAD systems, and understanding stack tolerances and customer documentation are invaluable when managing supplier relationships.
Furthermore, soft skills like strong interpersonal skills and a team-oriented approach are important for success in a management position.
So, what’s next?
The automotive sector suits my character and aligns with my career expectations. With a large automotive supply chain on the doorstep I am eager to continue growing within this industry, ultimately aiming for a Director-level position. Before that, I am keen to take on a senior management role with cross-functional responsibility.
What advice would you give to current apprentices who aspire to one day move into senior management roles?
Theres no limit on the opportunity – apprenticeships offer incredible career progression. You can start at an operational level and, with dedication and skill development, advance to management positions. The combination of vocational skills and theoretical knowledge gained through an apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for future success.
My own journey, transitioning from engineering to procurement, highlights the adaptability and transferable skills that apprenticeships provide.
