Dani Mullane, Bed Manufacturing Apprentice
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Having the least amount of experience in the room for me is an opportunity to learn. This company has helped me to believe in myself and show me that I am capable of pushing my career to the highest limits
Why did you decide to join bensons for beds?
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My brother and sister both worked for Bensons when I first started so hearing about their experiences encouraged me to apply. Two of my aunties had also worked for the company, so it felt like family to me. I liked the sound of how hands the work sounded and wanted to learn more.
My first role within the company was an Upholstery Operative in the Drawers Department, which I loved! I always wanted to work in a role that allowed me to be hands on and building beds gave me such enthusiasm about the role.
This last year I’ve had the opportunity to work in all of the different areas of the manufacturing factory and even moved into the quality department as a technician, which I'm really proud of. At the same time as I started to experience other areas of the business area, I started my Level 2 in Bed Manufacturing Apprenticeship. After a full year of learning, I finally got my results through... DISTINCTION! I was so happy and everyone at bensons helped celebrate my success.
Completing my apprenticeship and learning new responsibilities at work has had its challenges. Trying to maintain a positive attitude when trying to learn new skills and feeling a little overwhelmed has been stressful. But the people around me have really supported me. Whether that's an arm around the shoulder or just being there to talk, they've been a huge help!

I have learned so much here, I will be so grateful of that for the rest of my life. Being given the opportunity to grow both professional and personally has been incredible for me. I have been given challenges that have really pushed me out of my comfort zone and been given accountability. My managers and team around me have trusted me to make decisions and be my true authentic self.
I would love to continue to grow professionally in this business. I'd love to have Matt Richardson's job (Head of Manufacturing) if I am being honest! Ha!
But to be serious, I'm not actually sure where I want my careers to go, at the moment I am just enjoying the journey. All I do know is that I want to continue to grow and learn in this business and become a specialist in the furniture industry. Whilst also focussing on sustainability, quality and product development, which bensons allows me to get involved in every day.

Why do you love working at bensons for beds?
The opportunities I have been given and how supportive the entire company have been throughout my apprenticeship and time here has been nothing sure of inspirational. I feel so lucky to be part of a business that truly cares about developing and investing in the people that work here.