Recently, we had the opportunity to gain insight into Dan Bovingdon’s remarkable career journey at Briggs Equipment. Starting as an Apprentice Engineer and progressing through a variety of roles to become Engineering Services Director, Dan’s story demonstrates the opportunities available to those looking to build a long and rewarding career with Briggs.
With 27 years of dedication, commitment and continuous development, Dan’s journey is a fantastic example of career progression and success within the business.
Meet Dan
What is your current role?
Engineering Services Director
How long have you been with Briggs Equipment?
27 years
What roles have you held during your career at Briggs?
- Apprentice Engineer
- Field Service Engineer
- Truckcare Sales Executive
- Head of Aftermarket
- Regional Director
- Engineering Services Director
Leading Engineering Excellence
What does your current role involve?
Today, my role is focused on leadership. I lead an Engineering division of approximately 550 people across the England and Wales business. My responsibilities include safety and quality, compliance, service delivery, customer satisfaction and financial performance.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The people. I enjoy helping individuals become the best version of themselves.
What has been your proudest moment?
Watching people whose development I’ve supported progress into more senior roles within the organisation, or move into disciplines they are passionate about pursuing.
What do you hope to achieve in the coming years?
We’re operating in a rapidly changing world, with technology advancing quickly and new fuel types emerging. It’s important that we stay ahead of the curve and ensure our engineering teams are equipped with the skills, knowledge and capabilities needed for the future.
Dan’s Apprenticeship Experience
What made you choose an apprenticeship at Briggs?
I always wanted to learn while earning. Coming from a low-income family, I had various jobs growing up, so by the time I left school I already understood the value of earning money. An apprenticeship gave me the opportunity to learn a trade while continuing to earn.
The apprenticeship programme was highly structured over four years, providing a clear development pathway linked to progression and increased remuneration. I always understood what was expected of me at each stage and the rewards associated with achieving those milestones.
How did your apprenticeship help your career progression?
I was fortunate to have four or five strong mentors around me throughout my apprenticeship. They instilled a strong work ethic and provided guidance that helped create a solid foundation for my future career. Some of those mentors are still with the business today, while others have since retired.
Although moving away from the tools was a difficult decision, the engineering foundation I built early in my career has been invaluable in every role I’ve held since.
Why would you recommend an apprenticeship at Briggs?
Briggs is like a family. The people truly set us apart from other businesses. The programme provides structure, support and guidance from start to finish, along with fantastic career opportunities.
Whether your ambition is to become one of the best engineers in the industry or to move into engineering leadership in the future, Briggs provides the platform to achieve it.
What advice would you give to someone considering an apprenticeship?
Ask questions and come and talk to us. Starting your working life is a big step, and we’ve helped many people through that journey over the years. We’re always happy to answer questions about Briggs and the apprenticeship programme.
Get to Know Dan
Dream holiday destination?
South Africa. My Grandad worked there as a mining engineer for six years and moved his family out there, so I’d love to visit and see where they lived.
Favourite football team?
Tottenham Hotspur.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Loyal. Supportive. Driven.
What are you most passionate about outside of work?
My family. Watching my boys grow into young men may make me feel old, but they’re the reason I do what I do.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Dan’s career journey demonstrates the opportunities that can be achieved through hard work, commitment and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From apprentice engineer to Engineering Services Director, his story highlights how Briggs Equipment invests in developing its people and creating long-term career opportunities for future generations.
“The people set us apart from any other business.” – Dan Bovingdon