"The Training Programme allowed me to make the most of each opportunity that has come along and there are more dimensions to working here than I imagined when looking from the outside."

Ed Ward - Production Manager, Portakabin

Coming up through the Training Programme, Ed Ward, Production Manager, Metal Fabrication at the Portakabin site in York, had the opportunity to experience many aspects of the business before taking his current managerial role. He joined the company in February 2005 and found that the roles available where a revelation.

"Looking from the outside, I don't think you can imagine the dimensions of this company or the roles available. Work is a large part of my life and this position keeps my interest and continues to present challenges that are rewarding."

After studying for his BA in Industrial Design at Loughborough University, Ed took a gap year to enjoy time on a Kibbutz, go inter-railing and travel through Israel, Jordan, Greece and France.

"My parents had always encouraged me to do what I enjoyed with regards to my education and as I had a particular interest in maths and physics, the Industrial Design route seemed right. But once I had completed my BA, I really felt I needed time out from study and work to enjoy life and see more."

When he returned to the UK, Ed turned to making decisions about his future.

"I had thought I would be an Industrial Designer, but after graduation, I felt that I wasn't as creative as the role would demand and I wanted to be in a position where I excelled - not where I would be just an ‘also ran'. I decided that I needed to experience other roles in order to find what suited me best."

Ed worked as a Web Designer, Management Trainee and a Production Manager, in positions that took him from London through mainland Europe.

"I had no ‘Plan B', but I realised I needed a Graduate position and that it was up to me to go out and find the right one. The experience of the roles I took on has served me well and whilst working in Germany for fibre optics company Schott, I met the woman who became my wife - so the journey was definitely worth it."

The time spent exploring options was not wasted, as the experience in different departments and varying roles, would eventually prove useful to his current position.

"I come from a farming family in Yorkshire and although the road here to Portakabin wasn't straightforward, I now see it as an important part of my education and preparation. Along the way, I encountered many different working practices and environments - some that taught me well and some that showed clearly how not to get things done."

The advert for Management Training at Portakabin brought Ed to York, where he says he felt welcomed.

"The training programme was well organised, professionally planned and offered obvious opportunities to experience all the aspects of this fascinating business. I fitted in straight away and was able to be entirely honest with both the company and myself.

"The people I encountered promoted open communication and that has remained a fact throughout my time here. My role involves people management, manufacturing and production, so I actually get the chance to use all the experiences of my past to good advantage."

For further information about joining us as a Graduate Management Trainee here at Portakabin, get in touch and our team of helpful advisors will be happy to provide all the information you will need to help you make this important choice.