Ben Dickson’s Apprenticeship Success

At Blue Spares, we’re proud to support career growth through apprenticeships. Ben Dickson joined us as an apprentice, gaining experience across Stores, Procurement, Finance, and Sales before excelling in Sales. His dedication led to a full-time role as an Account Manager, where he continues to thrive.

We caught up with Ben to reflect on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and his future ambitions.

Q: What led you to choose an apprenticeship at Blue Machinery?

A: I was eager to get straight into the workplace, particularly in a sales-focused role. I wanted to learn on the job, develop my skills, and ultimately grow within a business where I could make a real impact. Blue Machinery stood out as the perfect place to do that.

Q: What was your first impression of the company when you started your apprenticeship?

A: I was really impressed by the scale of the business, the professionalism of the team, and the range of brands we work with. From the start, I was keen to learn about each brand and understand how the company operates.

Q: During your apprenticeship, you worked in several departments, including Stores, Procurement, Finance, and Sales. How did this experience help you develop your skills?

A: Rotating through different departments gave me a strong overall understanding of the business and how everything connects. It allowed me to see how each area contributes to the company’s success, which has given me an edge in my role today. Having that insight helps me communicate better across departments and serve customers more effectively.

Q: What was it about the Sales department that stood out to you and made you excel in that role?

A: Sales stood out to me the most because I love interacting with customers—building relationships, understanding their needs, and helping them find the right solutions. It just felt like the perfect fit. My natural ability to communicate and passion for helping others made it an area where I could thrive. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of sales and the sense of achievement that comes with closing a deal or solving a customer’s challenge.

Q: How did your apprenticeship prepare you for your current role as an Account Manager?

A: It gave me a clear understanding of what makes a business successful and how different functions contribute to overall performance. Having hands-on experience in multiple departments meant that by the time I transitioned into sales, I had a broader perspective on how our products and services fit into the bigger picture.

Q: What have been some of your proudest achievements since becoming an Account Manager?

A: Consistently hitting or exceeding my sales targets has been a huge achievement for me. It’s a great feeling to see hard work pay off, and it motivates me to keep improving and pushing myself further.

Q: Looking back, what’s the most valuable lesson you learned during your apprenticeship?

A: Teamwork is one of the most important aspects of a successful business. No matter how skilled you are as an individual, you need a strong team around you to succeed. Learning to collaborate effectively has been one of the biggest takeaways from my apprenticeship.

Q: How did the support and mentorship from your colleagues at Blue Machinery help you in your journey?

A: The support I received from my colleagues was invaluable, especially from Chris Thomas and Dean Barlow. They have been incredible mentors, helping me grow not just in my role but also as a person. Their guidance has given me the confidence and skills I need to excel in my career.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?

A: My biggest piece of advice would be to stay committed and keep showing up every day, even when things feel challenging. Persistence is key. Also, be open to learning from those around you—taking advice from experienced colleagues can make a huge difference in your growth and development.

Q: What’s next for you—what are your future career goals?

A: My long-term goal is to progress into a Sales Manager or Team Leader position where I can lead and develop my own team. I want to continue growing within the business and helping others succeed just as my mentors helped me.

We’re always on the lookout for new talent to join our team at Blue Spares. If you’re interested in an apprenticeship opportunity, reach out to us at spares@bluegroup.co.uk to learn more.