
Nathan Hunt was the first person to start a career journey on Wernick’s newly launched ‘Graduate Training Programme’.
The programme gives candidates the opportunity to experience working across a variety of roles within the modular and portable building industry.
The programme is now in its 6th year. We interviewed Nathan previously to find out about the trainee process.
Now a General Manager at Wernick Hire’s largest depot in Wickford, Nathan reflects on his journey so far and reveals what it takes to succeed on the programme.
On my first day at Wernick, I was given keys to a car and a cake as it was somebody’s birthday, which I thought was a great way to start your first day. After my tour of the depot and induction, I walked into the canteen at the Head Office and found Simon (Doran – Chief Executive) and David (Wernick – Executive Chairman) playing pool. I just thought “I don’t know what’s happening, but I like it!” Simon actually did my induction and took time to make me feel welcome.
Before I started at Wernick, I was an Assistant Site Manager for an office refurb company. So while I wasn’t strictly speaking a graduate, I was still looking out for a new opportunity that offered me a career rather than a job.
At the refurb company I had experience of hiring units so I think my background as a customer was a great starting point – I could better understand their point of view and why they ask certain questions. During my training with Wernick Construction I found myself in the ‘customer’s’ shoes again as I was hiring cabins from Wernick Hire for Wernick Building’s projects. Having this experience has helped me to see my role from another perspective.
I wouldn’t say I was looking to work my way to the top. It was, and is, more important for me to learn and grow within an industry.
I’ve had a vast collection of mentors since I started! Michael Thistlethwaite (Managing Director) oversaw my programme and we had a catch up every three months. I’ve been shown the ropes by people with decades of experience in the industry and so many people in depots, on site and in factories have been patient with me and answered all my questions.
I spent six months with the Buildings division early on in the programme, working on modular buildings with the team in the factory. I enjoyed the camaraderie and we played golf together. And then they revealed that they thought I was an undercover boss! I started off wearing a white helmet (white helmets are given to visitors) and they must have thought it was like the TV programme where the boss goes undercover!
I now manage one of the depots that I trained in and it’s not weird! They’ve all been really supportive about it and I couldn’t ask for a better team.
A willingness to learn is the main one. That and keeping an open mind, being approachable, having get-up-and-go and wanting to progress. With the programme and what follows after the programme, you get out what you put in. The opportunities are available if you have the drive to go out and get them.
My programme was set out at the start and I was kept informed through regular meetings. The company were always honest about working away and the travel involved. There were some tough times and some stressful times but it was all worth it. I’ve been rewarded with certain levels on the ladder.
Discover more about Wernick’s graduate careers > here.