As National Mentoring Day is marked on 27 October, ASG Aerospace is celebrating the role of mentoring in developing future talent, highlighting the experiences of two employees whose careers demonstrate the value of sharing knowledge, building confidence and creating opportunities across the aerospace manufacturing industry.
Across its UK operations, ASG Aerospace is investing in the professional development of its people, combining established industry expertise with the ambitions of emerging talent. From degree apprenticeships in finance to career development within advanced engineering, mentoring is helping employees broaden their experience and prepare for future leadership responsibilities.
Two examples from within the Group illustrate how this approach is supporting professional development at different stages of a career.
At ASG Produmax, degree apprentice Tom White Jennings has been developing his career within the finance team, supported by colleague and mentor Elias. Having successfully completed the initial stage of his apprenticeship, Tom is now progressing towards his degree qualification while taking on greater responsibility within the business.
Over the past 16 months, their mentoring relationship has helped Tom develop his commercial understanding, strengthen his professional confidence and become increasingly involved in the wider financial operations of ASG Aerospace.
Through greater exposure to Group reporting, financial management and discussions with senior colleagues, Tom is gaining valuable insight into the role finance plays in supporting a complex, multi-site aerospace manufacturing organisation.
“I’ve been included in discussions with head office more often, and having that foundation means I’ve got a better understanding of what’s being discussed,” explained Tom.
“I can speak about the areas I’ve dealt with myself, which has helped build my confidence.”
For Tom, mentoring has provided a valuable connection between academic study and professional experience. Regular guidance, constructive feedback and the opportunity to assume new responsibilities have helped him develop a clearer understanding of his career ambitions.
“Elias acts as such a good example of what I would like to become, just through seeing him doing the job himself,” he said. “Seeing that day to day encourages me and makes me want to go down a similar path. It makes me want to do better as well.”
Tom’s experience also demonstrates the breadth of career opportunities available within aerospace, where finance, commercial management and business leadership are integral to the success of advanced manufacturing operations.
Sharing experience across generations
At ASG Arrowsmith, Commercial Manager Kevan Kane is drawing on more than 45 years of manufacturing experience to support the development of emerging engineering talent.
Having begun his own career as an apprentice, Kevan understands the influence that experienced colleagues can have on professional development. His commitment to mentoring extends beyond ASG Aerospace through his involvement as a board member of Midland Group Training Services in Coventry, an organisation with a long history of developing engineering apprentices.
Within ASG Arrowsmith, Kevan has been mentoring Ashton, an ambitious young colleague who joined the business following two years of apprenticeship training.
Recognising Ashton’s enthusiasm and potential during the recruitment process, Kevan helped create an opportunity for him to gain experience within the company and establish a pathway towards a career in aerospace engineering.
Their mentoring relationship now includes regular discussions about professional development, career ambitions and the wider capabilities of the business.
“I could see myself in Ashton,” said Kevan. “He was ambitious, he was hungry, he wanted to be the best version of himself, and that’s my main message.”
Under Kevan’s guidance, Ashton is gaining exposure to different areas of ASG Arrowsmith’s precision engineering operations, developing an understanding of how specialist capabilities, quality standards and manufacturing expertise contribute to the delivery of components for demanding aerospace applications.
Kevan believes this broader perspective is particularly valuable for people entering an industry increasingly shaped by advanced technology, digital manufacturing and evolving customer requirements.
He also recognises the contribution that a new generation of employees can make to established engineering businesses.
“We’ve got to create the environment that allows them to flourish. They’re far more IT savvy than we are, they love the new technology, and we’ve got to give them the opportunities to develop.”
Ashton has impressed colleagues with his enthusiasm, willingness to learn and commitment to his professional development, reinforcing Kevan’s belief in the value of giving emerging talent opportunities to demonstrate their abilities.
Investing in the future of aerospace
For ASG Aerospace, the experiences of Tom and Ashton reflect a wider commitment to developing talent throughout the organisation.
As aerospace manufacturers respond to growing international demand, investment in advanced production technologies and increasingly sophisticated engineering requirements, the development of skilled professionals remains central to the industry’s long-term success.
Mentoring provides an important means of transferring decades of specialist knowledge while encouraging fresh perspectives and supporting employees as they develop their careers.
Kevan believes experienced professionals have a valuable contribution to make by sharing the knowledge gained throughout their working lives.
“If I can pass on some of my knowledge and support people coming into the industry, then that gives the industry a future,” he said.
“This has been a good career for many of us. It’s given us a good standard of living. Let’s do something positive towards the end of our careers that passes on that knowledge.”
For Tom, the encouragement to embrace new responsibilities has been equally influential.
“The biggest thing for me is being challenged and encouraged to take on wider responsibilities. It’s about being involved in different areas of the business and having the opportunity to develop.”
As ASG Aerospace marks National Mentoring Day, both experiences demonstrate the lasting value of relationships between experienced professionals and emerging talent.
Through its degree apprenticeship pathways, professional development opportunities and commitment to knowledge sharing, the Group is helping develop the engineers, commercial specialists and business leaders who will shape the future of British aerospace manufacturing.
