Learning and growing together: Why VEKA’s commitment to people is key to its success
A culture of shared learning and growth, this Burnley-based company puts your development at the heart of your work.
Based in Burnley and employing over 400 people, VEKA plc, a market-leading window and door manufacturer, stands as one of the county’s biggest employers.
From engineering to quality control, warehouse to HR and finance, the company fosters a culture of teamwork and commitment to growth and development across its workforce.
Providing an environment for its people to truly thrive is key to the business’ continued success.
Nurture and support
Collaboration and innovation are engrained in the company’s ethos. If you take a walk through the 35-acre, 450,000 sq. ft factory and office buildings, the supportive atmosphere that VEKA nurtures shines through in every department.
With several multigenerational families working across the business, it is no wonder that many employees regard VEKA as their second home. “We’re a family” is a phrase you often hear when speaking to team members, and that is something that the senior leadership team is proud of.
It is VEKA’s steadfast commitment to support and continuous learning and development that has paved the way for so many to forge lifelong careers within the family-owned company.
A team that genuinely cares
One such person is Adam Guy, Continuous Improvement and Projects Engineer, who began his VEKA career as an apprentice in 1997, and has recently celebrated 27 years of service.
I've been with VEKA for almost 28 years. I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally and continuously challenge myself. It’s great to be part of a team that genuinely cares about both employees and customers.
By offering continuous development, VEKA ensures that its workforce remains skilled and valued, but also develops deep ambitions to further their careers within the company – as Adam attests to. “My journey at VEKA has been filled with constant learning. I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside some incredibly talented people who mentored me and pushed me to challenge myself,” he added.
A culture of shared learning and growth
Prioritising innovation and excellence are pillars that hold up the organisation. By providing employees with ongoing opportunities for growth, they are able to build their skills with a clear path for career development. Ensuring that the VEKA team are at the forefront of innovative practices in the industry.
The culture of growth at VEKA extends to its emphasis on collaboration. Through mentorship programmes, knowledge and valuable experience is shared throughout the team.
Meet apprentice Joseph
Joseph Doughty, Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice, joined VEKA in 2022 after initially being inspired by the passion of VEKA employees. During his time with the company, he has benefited from the mentorship programme, which has inspired him to continue to grow beyond his role.
My mentor has been dedicated to helping me grow and improve, and he represents a core attitude at VEKA for providing opportunities to learn. With him I've not only progressed to a Level 3 apprenticeship, but also been encouraged to gain further qualifications and training.
Knowledge is empowered employees
VEKA’s approach empowers its workforce to feel valued part of the company, something that is echoed throughout, from apprentices to long-serving staff members.
Neil Evans, Managing Director of VEKA plc, emphasises how continuous learning is key to building an experienced and valued workforce, “At VEKA we take pride in the long-standing careers we have built with our people, and this is why providing continuous training and development opportunities for employees is fundamental to our values as a business.”
Through this investment in people and continuous development, VEKA not only strengthens its workforce, but it proves itself as a strong example for how it can positively impact talent retention and staff wellbeing.
For more information about VEKA’s latest vacancies visit the website here
A VEKA spokesperson added: “ We are delighted to be sponsors of the Lancashire Apprenticeship Awards and encourage you to put forward your nominations by visiting www.lancashireapprenticeshipawards.co.uk by the closing date of 26th March.”