Dayton Banks is a plant fitter who has worked for Collard for over two years and is currently doing his second apprenticeship programme with the company.
His journey with Collard began at the Chilton recycling plant when his stepdad, Dan Long, who also works at Collard as the Chilton site manager, suggested that Dayton apply for an apprenticeship after finishing school at sixteen.
Dayton was exploring different trades, considering carpentry at one point, but without a car, he felt opportunities were limited. Therefore, travelling with his stepdad made perfect sense.
Dayton’s first role was as an apprentice waste resource operative. He says: “I spent the year learning how a waste site runs and got to experience operating machinery and learning things like how to handle hazardous waste compliantly.”
After successfully completing year one, he then advanced to his second apprenticeship at Collard as a plant fitter, repairing and maintaining plant and machinery such as 360 excavators, loaders, and shovels.
“I love learning how engines run, how machinery should work – which is what I find most interesting about my job.”
Dayton on his career at Collard
Typical day for Dayton
Dayton begins each working day at 7 am, and when we spoke with him, he’d already had a very busy Tuesday!
Dayton explains: “Today, I’ve fixed a shovel, replaced a step, repaired a wood shredder, and serviced another shredder.
“I love learning how engines run, how machinery should work – which is what I find most interesting about my job.
“But you do need to stay level-headed and very patient while you’re learning. Sometimes you don’t get things right, or things don’t go to plan. That’s when you need to step back, think about what you’re doing, and return when your head’s clear.”
Along with his regular on-site work, Dayton can be dispatched to customer locations as needed. For example, if a demolition crew is working on-site, Dayton and his colleagues may be called in to repair plant and machinery that require their specialised skills.
He adds: “It’s good to get out of the workshop now and again. And when you’re offsite, you’ve got to think on your feet, as you haven’t got the usual tools and equipment around you.”
Next stop is Norfolk!
Come February, Dayton will start classroom training in Norfolk, which is a three-hour drive from home.
He says: “I’ll be there for a month, then back at Collard for a month, and so on and so on. I’m really looking forward to it. It means I get to experience different types of learning and meet others in my position.”
The end goal is to pass his exams and qualify as a fully-fledged plant fitter with Collard.
Why choose a career at Collard?
Dayton says he likes working for Collard because it’s a good team of people who help each other out, and there are always ways to develop and grow.
He adds: “There are lots of opportunities here, which apparently is rare in the industry.
“I’m already on my second apprenticeship, and if you’re prepared to put in the time and effort, Collard will invest in you.”
