Training the future of joinery: Operations Manager Robbie Loomer on Denne Joinery’s apprenticeship scheme
Tuesday, 14th January 2025
Robbie Loomer, Operations Manager at Denne Joinery, began his career with a three-year bench joinery apprenticeship. Today, he leads and mentors the next generation of skilled craftspeople within the Denne Joinery apprenticeship programme.
Discover Robbie’s journey and insights in our apprentice scheme, and learn why he believes joinery is a rewarding career path for others to pursue.
Tell us how you got your start – how did you find yourself at Denne Joinery?
It was originally through a family friend. They were Production Manager here, and at the time, I was in an apprenticeship as an electrician. I felt at a bit of a loose end during that time, and I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to get into something practical, and that’s when my football manager at the time mentioned coming round to the Denne workshop to see about joinery. I didn’t know a thing about the trade then, but I was amazed by the world-class facilities at Bramling House. That was my mind made up, and so I started a bench joiner apprenticeship for three years.
After some time into my joinery apprenticeship, I developed a keen interest in machines. Denne had just got brand new machinery, so they gave me the opportunity to move into CNC engineering, where I stayed for two years. While operating the CNC machine, I started to become more and more curious about design, so I decided to learn more about that too. Denne Joinery provided plenty of support to grow my career and allow me to nurture my curiosity.
Then, I became an Operations Manager and I’ve been in this position for a year.
What were the standout moments from your time as an apprentice?
Passing the Denne Joinery apprenticeship was something I’m really proud of. It felt like a big relief, and I immediately went into working on some really fulfilling projects. I’m proud of my journey and I’ve worked very hard to make the most of the opportunities Denne has given me.
How did the Denne Joinery apprenticeship help shape your career?
I learnt a lot in my apprenticeship. I did all sorts of jobs in Denne Joinery, learning how everything works. It definitely helped me grow and I was lucky to have mentoring from some experienced members of the team. I also learnt how to treat different people and how to handle different situations. It allowed me to quickly mature in my career and exposed me to new situations.
My experience as an apprentice is also shaping how I treat the current group of apprentices here at Denne Joinery. I understand how the apprentices like to work and how they like to be spoken to, so my own time as an apprentice is really informing my role as their manager.
How does your apprenticeship help you in your job today?
My apprenticeship has helped me immensely in my current role. During my journey here, I’ve gained experiences in various departments, including joinery and design, so it helps my understanding of how long some things take and how all the different departments need to work together.
Tell us about the current apprentices – what do they do on a day-to-day basis?
We’re focused on giving them experience in all different departments, such as machining, veneering, finishing, joinery, so they get a well-rounded skillset. Their daily responsibilities depend on the day. One day they may be trimming or pressing veneer/laminate and another day they may be doing labouring around the workshop.
Once they’ve built up their basics, we want to them to rotate in all departments in the workshop. It’s important for them to get an overarching experience of all trades.
What projects are they currently working on?
Depending on their skillset, they are put on the project that matches their abilities. In general, they are always involved on all projects going through the workshop. They rotate and usually spend a few days on each project.
We’re trying to encourage confidence, positive attitude and motivation. It doesn’t matter if they make mistakes. That’s how they’ll learn. We want to empower them, so they can try different things if they feel like giving it a go when they are ready.
What advice would you give someone considering an apprenticeship?
I’d encourage anyone to take the apprenticeship route, as they can earn and learn. An apprenticeship in joinery can open so many doors, and it can give people an opportunity to try different trades within the workshop.
There’s plenty of people that have been here for 30 years, and some have even done their apprenticeship with Denne and are still here. Denne cares for their team and empowers them to grow within the company. Another aspect I liked about here when I was an apprentice was job security, which is very important to gain confidence and develop professionally.
Our apprentices have the chance to build their own identity and to explore whichever trade they prefer. We like them to lead the conversation as to which projects they want to be involved in and where they want to specialise in the future. We really want them to grow as individuals and professionals and feel fulfilled. We want them to stay, and, above all, we want them to be happy and proud of what they do.
