"You apply to Portakabin because of the name and reputation associated with it - you stay for the people."

Garry Brewin - Production Manager, Portakabin

Amongst a dedicated team at Unit 5 at the Portakabin site in York, Garry Brewin, Production Manager, has taken the ‘trades' route to get to his position. He brings a wealth of experience to his role, from his early days as a young apprentice joiner with Rugby Portland Cement, through furniture making and working with adjustable flooring.

"As a child, I loved making things and had a fascination with architecture. Consequently, in school and at home I was encouraged to take the ‘trades route' rather than the academic. This may not have been the best advice, but at the time it was what was offered and at 16 years old, I accepted it."

Fortunately, Garry's first role as an apprentice joiner gave him excellent grounding and insight that would prove invaluable to his career here at Portakabin. After five years with Rugby Portland, he was ready for the changes that redundancy brought.

His passion for making things remained and he went to work running a small furniture workshop. Garry shares: "I learned to handle people and to get the most out of creating good working relationships. I was driven then to develop myself as a manager and sought out new challenges, finding my next one in Scunthorpe."

The contrast between the furniture workshop, staffed by enthusiastic and passionate craftsmen and the team of 50+ at the adjustable flooring company was stark.

"There was a huge gap between what I wanted and the reality, but it was the challenges that gave me the best learning experiences. The key for this role was again, understanding people and working with the team to get the very best results."

An advert for a position with Portakabin came to Garry's attention and after applying, Garry started here at the York site as an Assistant Joinery Manager in August 1991.

"Answering the advert changed everything. From the moment I arrived on site at York, I felt that this was what I had been looking for. There was a perfect blend of professionalism and warmth. I was made welcome, the job was thoroughly explained and the opportunities evident."

After over 15 years, Garry still feels challenged and enthused by his work with the Portakabin Group and has progressed through various departments and roles to find his ‘perfect fit'.

"If I was to give advice to a job seeker, it would be to consider the Portakabin Group. I have plenty of comparison and know for certain that I would not have what I have here, anywhere else.

"I have been able to grow my role, supported by people who genuinely care about what we do. It is the people that make the job worthwhile, we are not simply employees with Portakabin. We are valued, respected and given the opportunities to make the most of ourselves."

For further information about joining us here at Portakabin, take a look at our Current Vacancies section or get in touch with our team of helpful advisors, who will be happy to provide all the information you will need to help you make this important choice.