The Curve Podcast Ep.3: People & Culture – Building a Stronger Workforce
We're back with a bang! Episode 3 of The Curve Podcast is here, and this time, we’re tackling a common challenge that many of us working in the building services sector face — attracting and retaining skilled people.
Finding great engineers is tough. Keeping them? Even tougher.
In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a strong, committed team—bridging the gap between commercial and operations, retaining skilled engineers, finding the right cultural fit, and ensuring that suppliers and subcontractors are aligned with your values.
But beyond retaining talent, we also look at how to nurture the next generation of engineers. And with National Apprenticeship Week in full swing, we’re shining a spotlight on the power of apprenticeships—not just as a pipeline for fresh talent, but as a way to future-proof the industry. Tune in as we explore how investing in the next generation can strengthen your team and drive long-term success.
Watch the Full Episode Here:
Why Tune In?
In Episode 3: People & Culture, we welcome Simon Stockford, deckpro pumps' new Sales Manager, to share his insights. With decades of experience—starting as an apprentice himself—Simon understands first-hand the value of investing in young engineers and creating a culture where talent thrives.
We cover:
Tips for attracting, nurturing, and retaining top engineering talent...
...How this differs from building a strong commercial team
The importance of apprenticeships and their long-term benefits
How workplace culture impacts retention and engagement
Engaging subcontractors who reflect your company’s values
Key Highlights & Quotes
Simon’s journey in the industry started as an apprentice, giving him a unique perspective on career progression and the importance of investing in young talent:
"Look at apprenticeships, and look at them in detail. Don’t see them as a resource drain, but look at the rewards that can come out at the end of it."
Retaining engineers is about more than just career progression; it’s about fostering a culture where people feel valued and engaged. Simon highlights the importance of communication and how technical skills must be paired with strong interpersonal abilities:
"I've been out with the engineers a lot since I started at deckpro, and the way they conduct themselves on-site is the next evolution. It really is an evolution between communication and technical prowess."
Keeping subcontractors aligned with company values is another challenge businesses face. Simon shares how deckpro ensures external teams reflect their standards:
"Finding the right subbies who carry our name on-site is crucial. Our values need to be simple and easy to adopt."
Looking Ahead
deckpro is committed to growing its team from within, strengthening client relationships, and expanding onto new sites. This year, we’re also taking in a number of apprentices—watch this space for more details on how to apply!
We’re always on the lookout for talented engineers and professionals who align with our values. If you’re interested in joining our team, get in touch or visit our careers page!
Catch Up on Previous Episodes
Missed earlier episodes? Check them out:
Stay tuned for more episodes of The Curve: Innovation in Building Services as we continue to explore the future of the industry. Make sure you never miss an episode, subscribe below for updates as soon as a new episode airs.
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