Based in Coventry, Craig Perkins has worked within the engineering industry for just over 16 years, starting his journey as an Engineering Apprentice at National Express. Craig has first-hand experience in the industry as both an apprentice and a manager.
During the start of his career, he was often quiet and introverted. “I would not always push myself as much as I should,” he recalls.
As the years progressed, Craig battled with his shyness and made it a personal goal to overcome it. A pivotal point of this battle came when he first heard about the Skills Challenge.
“My old manager wanted to take a team, so he gathered a group of engineers to head down to Bristol to take part,” Craig reminisces. “At the last moment one of the engineers had taken a new job so I jumped in to fill the space.”
Craig was adamant in taking part as he wanted to prove his worth, step up to the challenge and overcome any self-doubt.
“The Skills Challenge brings a fun aspect to engineering; going down to Bristol and mixing with other engineers from other companies is great for networking as well as learning from each other. It also helps get them ready for their EPA and those kinds of exam conditions; it gives them added pressure which they will experience when it comes to their final exams.”
Craig’s performance stood out in the competition by fending off some of the best of the competition and ultimately winning the Top Mechanical Engineer category and the runner-up for the DVSA Inspection Technician Award. This taste of victory was all too sweet for Craig as it led him to compete again the year after and win the Masters award.
“I believe the skills challenge is a vital part of our industry, it pushes you to constantly improve and helps you and your business thrive,” he adds.
Craig highlights that the atmosphere and the competition helped him improve and push past any limitations, especially mental barriers. “Competitors will be pushed to their limits and will be tested in ways they have never been tested before, though the satisfaction from participating far outweighs the pressure and nerves,” he adds. Craig also highlights the sense of pride and honour one feels when you are chosen to represent your company.
“Development of our apprentices is crucial for the future of engineering,” Craig emphasises. “With engineering being an ever-growing industry, the opportunity to have a platform where apprentices can work on the latest vehicles and tech is crucial in keeping the industry moving forward and at the forefront of global engineering.
“The next generation of engineers need our guidance and knowledge and through us, we will help mould this fantastic industry and help create a greater future for generations to come! The Skills Challenge will play a crucial role in this, and I cannot wait to see it grow from year to year.”
This year, National Express is entering two teams for the Skills Challenge as well as featuring the returning champion Pawel Dudziec who is looking to follow Craig’s footsteps and win the Masters challenge.
The IRTE Bus and Coach Skills Challenge is a brilliant opportunity to mould your future engineering leaders. Enter your teams today!
