Mark Merifield

We spoke to former apprentice Mark Merifield to hear about his career journey to becoming Managing Director of Merlin Flex.

What’s your name, where are you from, and where do you work?

I’m Mark Merifield, originally from Billingham, and I’m Managing Director of manufacturing company Merlin Flex.

What does your day-to-day role involve?

We’re a leading global supplier of cutting-edge flexible circuit boards within the global Defence, Aerospace, Space, Robotics, Medical and high-end automotive markets.

We have a team of 60 employees, so my day-to-day role involves overseeing the team and reporting to our parent company, Merlin PCB Group.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

At Merlin Flex we work with such a wide variety of exciting sectors, from Space to Robotics. The best part for me is seeing where our products end up – including Formula 1 steering wheels and even being launched into Space!

Where did you do your apprenticeship?

I completed a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) at Hartlepool ITeC in 1986.

Why did you decide to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to leave school and find a job in electronics and computers, which were very new at the time! A YTS was a great option for me as it gave me the opportunity to get the practical hands-on experience that I needed.

How did this lead you to your current role?

As part of my YTS I had to go into different companies for ‘on the job’ training. At that time 3 three guys from the South Coast were setting up Merlin Flex’s former company, Flex-Ability. I joined them from day one as a trainee and then stayed with them for 14 years working my way up through the technical side, later becoming Operations Manager. In 2001 one of the former company owners, myself and another colleague carried out a ‘Management Buy-Out’ and I ran the company as a Director for the next 10 years. In 2010 we were taken over by the Merlin PCB Group and I have spent the last 11 years as Managing Director of Merlin Flex.

Did you always know what you wanted to do before starting your apprenticeship?

Yes, pretty much. I was always fascinated by electronics and especially computers and computer programming which was all very new in the 1980s. Once I started at Flex-Ability I always knew I wanted to work my way up to the top!

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to most parts of the world with our products. Working with key global multinational companies who use our products has been a real highlight.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer a great platform to get a full, well-rounded, and invaluable knowledge base which most employers look for when recruiting. Plus, you get to earn an educational degree if you decide to take that journey too.

Feeling inspired by Mark’s story? Click here to find out more about apprenticeships.