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Engineering Trainer Brian Mills began his career as a Boilermaker/Welder in 1980, when he started his Boilermaker apprenticeship.  “At school I enjoyed metalwork and buildings things, so when I left I looked for a trade and found my apprenticeship,” Brian said.

Brian thoroughly enjoyed his apprenticeship, and got a lot of satisfaction from this type of work.  After becoming a Boilermaker/Welder, he went on to also complete his Mechanical Trade as a Fitter. He spent 5 years at Downlands College working with students with disabilities; he also worked as a Boarding Master and coached the Senior Basketball team while developing engineering training resources in his spare time.   

He acknowledges that many people don’t know or understand exactly what a boilermaker does, or what their job entails.  “When you walk into a shopping centre, there’s a lot of steel work in buildings that is completely unseen. The work that Engineering tradespeople do is very much like that - it’s under the surface or it’s done in areas that the public don’t have access to, like mine sites.”

In 2008, Brian heard about an opportunity to work for Blue Dog Training through his brother Grant who also works for the company.  Brian was a great fit for the team and became involved in developing Blue Dog’s engineering courses.  He then came on board full-time as an Engineering Trainer working with apprentices.

“Grant is alright, I suppose” Brian cheekily responded, when asked about working with his brother.  In reality their working relationship is a very strong one, as the brothers have renovated houses together and are well accustomed to working as a team. “Some families can’t work together, but it’s great because we get on so well.”

However, Brian’s major source of satisfaction is contributing to the next generation of great tradespeople.  “It’s rewarding to help apprentices achieve their career goals.  Being able to tell them that they’ve completed their trade – it’s exciting!  Four years is a big commitment – I’ve done it myself and finishing your apprenticeship – it IS exciting!”

In the BDT office, Brian is known for his great sense of humour.  In his spare time, he’s very house proud and enjoys looking after his yard.  He loves fishing, camping and hanging out with his three boys, which includes developing what he describes as ‘original Dad-Jokes’ with his youngest boy.  We asked Brian to share one with us, so for your reading pleasure:

Q: Why couldn’t the student complete his maths equation?

A: Because someone ate his Pi! (Pie)