Meet The Team

Dan Gerrard - DS Smith

Learning & Development Business Partner, DS Smith

Matched to: Tudor Grange Academy Solihull

Why did you become an Enterprise Adviser?

Through working with my old senior school as part of an alumni network, I discovered the opportunity to offer my support on a more ongoing basis as an EA. It was a great opportunity to give something back and take on new challenges, helping to imbed careers into education.

What do you enjoy most or are you most looking forward to in your role as an Enterprise Adviser?

Aside, from the sentimentality of working with my old school, I appreciate the chance to have an input into how young people experience careers in their education and offer insight from my own career and knowledge of various industries. Working with the network of Enterprise Adviser's and the Careers Hub continues to be an all-round positive experience and offers opportunities to create lasting professional relationships.

Overview of your chosen career or career pathway to your current role.

I left formal education after college, choosing to go straight into the world of work with roles in both retail and hospitality before starting my career in automotive manufacturing where I worked for 11 years.

I progressed through various roles from Operator, Team Leader and Line Manager to a Senior Learning and Development Leader, implementing lean systems within manufacturing through various roles. Through each step, I discovered a passion to develop others and enjoyed most when I had autonomy to be creative and think outside the box.

I am now the UK Learning & Development Business Partner at a leading, global packaging company, supporting the talent and & development strategy across 28 sites within England, Wales and Scotland.

Contact

lifeready@solihull.gov.uk