Adam Cox is a shift electrician with BSW Timber in Newbridge, Wales.

“I did 10 GCSEs at school including chemistry, physics and biology and then went on to do a Modern Apprenticeship with British Steel, which gave me my NVQ, ONC and HNC qualifications in electrical and mechanical engineering. I’ve worked in both steel and construction before joining the timber industry and I can honestly say that the people I’m working with now have a great team spirit, far better than elsewhere. We all muck in and help each other, working towards the same collective goal. They’re also great about training and any courses that will benefit both me and the company are provided.

“On my day shifts, I cover any faults or breakdowns that occur. It’s a big site where logs come in, are debarked, sawn and processed, so there’s a variety of electrical machinery to be cared for and kept running, including kilns where the timber is dried. On night shifts we do the type of maintenance and installation work that’s not possible during the day while the plant is running. We check motors, sensors , scanners and other equipment including programmable logic relays and photocells. There’s always something different to do.

“The pay is better in this industry than in those I’ve worked before and I certainly see myself staying with the job in the future. I really enjoy going to work, and I especially enjoy the way we all work together. It’s also an environment-friendly business as nothing is wasted, not even the offcuts or wood chippings. All the wood that comes in, goes back out again in some form.”