Columnist

From apprentice to chief financial officer

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, I find myself reflecting on my own professional journey. 

In 1999, at the age of 16, I started as an apprentice in the accounts department, not knowing that 25 years later, I’d be serving as the chief financial officer of Peterlee-headquartered global battery pack maker Alexander Battery Technologies. 

My career path has been shaped by hard work, perseverance and the support of mentors, demonstrating the immense value of apprenticeships in unlocking potential and driving growth.

Apprenticeships are a powerful tool in shaping careers, particularly in industries like ours that are constantly developing. 

I owe much of my success to the opportunities I was given at the start of my career, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to now offer similar opportunities to the next generation of talent. 

Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, guidance and the chance to build a career with a solid foundation.

But it’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about nurturing the right environment for growth. 

At Alexander Battery Technologies, we are committed to creating a culture where emerging talent can thrive. 

This includes ensuring we provide meaningful opportunities for young people, particularly women, to explore careers in the energy, clean tech and battery sectors. 

More than 40 per cent of our workforce is female, a rare achievement in manufacturing and I’m incredibly proud of this progress. 

But we know there is more work to do.

As an industry, we must actively work to address the gender imbalance. 

It is crucial to normalise the presence of women in technical and leadership roles by engaging with young people, especially girls, from an early age. 

By introducing schoolchildren, ideally between the ages of nine and 12, to a range of careers in the battery sector, we give them the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their future. 

We regularly host factory tours and demonstrations, providing relatable role models for young girls who might not otherwise see themselves in technical fields. 

These efforts are already showing results, as more women pursue roles in engineering and leadership.

For young women considering careers in our industry, I encourage you to get involved early.

Join mentorship programmes, seek out internships or apprenticeships and never underestimate the impact of having visible female role models. 

These experiences provide the hands-on knowledge so critical for success in this field.

My advice to anyone starting out is simple: work hard, step outside your comfort zone and be yourself. 

That’s the advice I received early in my career, and it has been instrumental in getting me to where I am today. 

If you can do that, the opportunities are endless.

National Apprenticeship Week serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead. 

But one thing is certain: with the right support and opportunities, talent can thrive.

Claire Brymer is chief financial officer at Alexander Battery Technologies

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