We are delighted to announce that Dan Walker has recently been promoted to the role of Machine Shop Working Supervisor. 

We recently sat down with Dan and discussed his journey with Group Rhodes and how his role has developed since joining the business. 

After leaving school, Dan studied the 2-year NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, followed by the one-year NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at Castleford College. This provided an ideal pathway for a career in mechanical engineering. 

Dan’s journey with Group Rhodes begins

In 2014, after success fully completing his NVQ 3 studies, Dan began a two-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering with Group Rhodes, which included day-release training at Castleford College.

Since joining Group Rhodes over 11 years ago, Dan has assumed various engineering-based roles, including apprentice machinist, machinist, and machine shop cell leader. 

During 2021, he was appointed one of a team of three cell leaders, who were responsible for overseeing all machine shop activities, including handling queries, delegating work, and taking responsibility for machine maintenance. In his previous role as Cell Leader, Dan demonstrated exceptional technical skill, initiative, and leadership in advancing the performance and efficiency of the machine shop. He has played a key role in tooling and process improvements, including expanding the capabilities of the Doosan NHP 6300. 

Earlier this year, Dan was promoted to the role of Machine Shop Working Supervisor, which has seen his responsibilities extended to supervising day-to-day operations, organising workloads, project planning, meeting quality standards, following jobs throughout the site up to final inspection and machine tooling selection. 

Although Dan’s role has evolved, he still works on the machines as and when needed. 

Commenting on his recent promotion, Dan says, “My electrical and mechanical engineering studies and apprenticeship with Group Rhodes have really supported my career progression in engineering. During my time with Group Rhodes, I have worked on some large and complex hydraulic and mechanical engineering projects, which have presented some interesting challenges.” 

Dan continues: “I have worked on various initiatives such as optimising machining methods, developing my CNC offline programming skills, and taking cell leader responsibilities for several large and complex projects. I’m very lucky to work with some highly knowledgeable and skilled colleagues, and I’m delighted to be promoted to the role of Machine Shop Working Supervisor.” 

Dan feels he needs a mix of skills to support him in his new role, which include a good engineering mindset, an interest in how the Group Rhodes business runs, and, most importantly, good people skills. 

Congratulations, Dan, on your promotion from the whole Group Rhodes team.