Employee Case Study
Gregg Martin
Trainer and Assessor at McCulloch Group
Here at McCulloch Group, we know talent when we see it. And given the vast amount of talent we have within our teams, one of our biggest indicators of success is the happiness and success of our people.
Here at McCulloch Group we want to do everything we can to develop the skillset within our teams and allow those who want it, to progress within the group. We recently caught up with Gregg Martin, who’s now a Trainer and Assessor at McCulloch Group, but started as a McCulloch apprentice in April 2019. Here’s what he had to say of his time at McCulloch so far…
Gregg Martin
Trainer and Assessor at McCulloch Group
Here at McCulloch Group, we know talent when we see it. And given the vast amount of talent we have within our teams, one of our biggest indicators of success is the happiness and success of our people.
Here at McCulloch Group we want to do everything we can to develop the skillset within our teams and allow those who want it, to progress within the group. We recently caught up with Gregg Martin, who’s now a Trainer and Assessor at McCulloch Group, but started as a McCulloch apprentice in April 2019. Here’s what he had to say of his time at McCulloch so far…
Morning Gregg! So, tell us a little bit about how you started working in the rail industry and how you came to start at McCulloch.
So from your engineering apprenticeship, how did you come to join the Training and Assessment team?
Just as my apprenticeship was coming to an end, I saw the internal advertisements go out for a Training and Assessment Assistant. I knew that I had gained a fair amount of knowledge of the McCulloch machinery, having gained all the relevant qualifications to use the machines, so thought I’d have a go and apply.
Much to my delight – I was shortlisted for interview, got through to final interview and was offered the job, starting in September 2021.
And what does your role consist of now?
Essentially, I’m one of a team of two who delivers the training and assessments for those working on track who operate the McCulloch machinery. It’s a fairly comprehensive process, the training period, it involves both written and practical assessments, there’s a supervised mentorship phase, then a final assessment to give full approval to operate the kit. Everyone then gets these approvals renewed annually – so we’re kept busy!
What sort of qualities do you think you’ve had to learn in your new role, that you didn’t necessarily need during your apprenticeship?
I knew plenty about the railway, engineering and working on tracks from my apprenticeship and previous experience, but the role of Trainer and Assessor required a whole new range of people skills. We’re working with our colleagues from across the country, at our assessment centre in Toddington and on sites UK wide from time to time, so I’m always meeting new people and trying to nurture their development by making the training as engaging and as clear as it possibly can be.
I’d say that’s the most satisfying part of it – seeing someone succeed through the knowledge you’ve imparted to them.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about your experience so far at McCulloch Group? And any final words of wisdom?
Absolutely. I’d say I’m a great example of how you can progress within the company. If you want that progression and you’re willing to work for it, McCulloch will support you to do that. There are people who have worked here for 15 and 20 years – proof that there’s always room to develop your skillset and advance.
In terms of a final piece of advice – if you’re ambitious, throw yourself into whatever interests you and what you think you’re good at. Be open about what you want to achieve and don’t be afraid to fill out an application or go for something, you never know what might happen!
