Inside Riley’s Decision to Join ASD as an Apprentice
Apprenticeships are gaining momentum as an alternative way of getting into work, offering hands-on experience, industry-recognised qualifications, and the opportunity to earn while you learn.
At ASD, we believe in nurturing the next generation of talent. That’s why we sat down with one of our operations apprentice, Riley Craven, to learn more about his experience and how he went from winning a childhood safety competition at ASD to becoming a valued member of our team.
Riley first got involved with ASD at a young age when he entered (and won!) one of our Safety at Work competitions. Years later, he’s now an apprentice with us.
Q: Hi Riley, what is your role at ASD and what do you do day to day?
A: “I'm an Apprentice at CSL, so my role involves supporting and improving production processes, with a key focus on the Voortman processing line.
Each day, I program the automation line by interpreting drawings, setting parameters, and ensuring accurate machining. I also help develop and implement a new planning tool for the line, known as ‘the app’, by testing features, suggesting improvements, and helping colleagues get familiar with it.
Additionally, I assist with production coordination by monitoring jobs, supporting planning, and addressing issues such as machine access or programming errors to keep operations running smoothly.”
Q: Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship, rather than other alternative routes of getting into work?
A: “I wanted to gain real-world experience in engineering while also working toward my qualifications at college. This route gives me the best of both worlds, I get to develop practical skills on the job, gain real industry experience, and understand how things work in a professional environment, all while studying and earning a qualification in Engineering Design and Draughtsperson.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an apprentice at ASD?
A: “The work environment and the people. It’s a place where I feel supported and I genuinely look forward to coming in every morning. The team is great as everyone is friendly, helpful, and always willing to share their knowledge, which makes learning so much easier and more enjoyable. It’s a positive atmosphere that really motivates me to do my best and keep improving.”
Q: You were about nine when you won our Safety at Work competition, have you always wanted to work in this industry?
A: “Yes, even from a young age, I was fascinated in how things are made and how they work. I’ve always enjoyed maths, and that naturally led me toward engineering as the right path for me. I also knew that ASD is a great company with a strong reputation, and it offers opportunities for development. Being part of a company like this gives me the chance to build a long-term career and go far in the industry.”
Q: You’ve been doing your apprenticeship a while now, what has been your biggest achievement?
A: “Probably learning how to program the automation line on my own. It’s a key part of our production process, and being trusted to handle it independently shows how much I’ve developed my skills and confidence. It’s really rewarding to see the results of my hard work play such an important role in keeping things running smoothly.”
Q: Last question, do you have any advice for someone wanting to do an apprenticeship at ASD?
A: “Just go for it. With an apprenticeship, you get both the qualification and real work experience at the same time. You’re learning hands-on, getting to understand how things work in a real environment, and building skills that are valuable in the industry.
Plus, ASD is a great company to start with, they support your development and give you the chance to grow in your role.”
We offer a wide range of roles at ASD, so if you are interested, please view our vacancies