Development Techinican Review

My Job title is Development Technician, my day to day task involve pattern making using CAD software, making cutting specs which describes the first steps of making a bag. Ordering knives for production and development for both British factories. Making markers for production to make bags easier for production with the assistance from the development stitching team.

When I first started at Mulberry I did not know anything about making handbags or handbags at all. Since starting in 2014 my skills have grown massively firstly with background of bag making, and then with construction of bags with the apprenticeship teaching me to use new machinery and computer skills.

I found my aprentaship programme very enjoyable; the programme consisted of 4 days in the factory and then one day in the college. This meant we learnt both factory skills, while also learning factory lifestyle. Then one day in the week learning about the history of leather making and bag construction styles.

I think that I have always been a valued member of mulberry’s team since the very start of my aprentaship. With this growing with my growing knowledge of leather and bag construction with my ever growing experience with in the company. There is no gap between apprentice and normal craftsmen and women.

The Mulberry programme was very well organised with an official member of staff working alongside the apprentices as a go to person and also as a friendly college. We were also set up with a ‘buddy’ who was someone who had already done the aprentaship and was there for our support.

The tutor was always very friendly and supportive with great knowledge of the programme and excessive high teaching ability meaning we were always helped and would never be left to struggle or fail on a task we’d been given. We often worked as a team to help finish task and learn new skills.

The company as a whole was very supportive and was always looking out for us to help in any way. Apprentices are never looked down on an are a much respected member of the craftsman and women team. Getting all the benefits as they go workers get. Supervisors were always keen to get you learning new things.

The mulberry apprenticeship wage is very good compared to other apprenticeship wages in the local area. This along with the other benefits you get at mulberry such as discounts and rummage sales. Also the hours are great with only working 4 and half days a week, getting Friday afternoon off.

Mulberry holds lots of events through the calendar year, with the two main ones being a summer party at the Rookery and also a Christmas party with your respected factory. Along with this there are often events held on the mulberry Facebook page with money prizes or mulberry gift vouchers up for grabs.

Yes

Mulberry has been a great company for me personally, with only positive things to say. There has been lots of amazing opportunities. And I have always felt like a big part of the company. Everyone is very welcoming and always offering there help. Since joining the company I have had 4 promotions which has made my career grow massively.

When applying learn about the history of the company. Learn about the quality of goods before your interview. On your assessment day the interview starts as soon as you get out of your car. Always take any opportunity your given.