David Armstrong became managing director of Team Valley-based Access Training earlier this year, taking over from his father, who had led the company for 38 years. Access delivers training programmes - including apprenticeships - for businesses and individuals across the region.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
My first job was working at local pub serving Sunday lunches. I worked four hours a week for £3.80 an hour. I stayed there for a few months before I followed the money and started selling women’s shoes for an extra 20p an hour.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
We started working with Scaleup North-East when we made the decision that I would step-up to become managing director of Access Training. They work with companies who are either experiencing or anticipating growth and guide them through the potential challenges that come their way. We found this incredibly useful – it helped us sharpen our focus on what exactly we were trying to achieve, and why.
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What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
The further education sector is constantly changing. We just seem to get used to changes in guidance/processes from one shift in government policy, then another big change comes along. Like many industries, the biggest challenge we’re seeing right now is a shortage of applicants. Applicants are spoilt for choice in this market so there’s a lack of people applying for apprenticeship vacancies, as well as job roles we create internally.
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How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
Becoming managing director during the pandemic has had its positives. I already had plans to modernise elements of what we do but the extraordinary circumstances meant we’ve been able to do that much quicker and more effectively, than we perhaps ever would have. We very quickly decided that we would never return to five-days-a-week in the office. We realised how easy it is to trust people when they care so much about what they do, and who they work for, and with. It’s vital to be flexible.
Who is your role model in business?
That would have to be my dad, Malcolm Armstrong. He has worked at Access Training for over 35 years, and I’ve been at the company since 2011. We’ve always had a brilliant relationship. It can be difficult working with family (or friends) but we’ve never had that issue and I genuinely enjoyed having the chance to work alongside him. The reputation and culture of Access Training that we’re all so proud of, is largely down to him and his vision.
What would your dream job be?
We have big enough hopes and dreams for what Access Training can achieve so that it really is this job. I love leading such a brilliant company and team and I relish the responsibility that comes with it. I am ambitious and eager for us to reach our full potential. This is a wonderful industry where we make a big difference to people’s careers; we get a huge amount of job satisfaction.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
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Do things the right way and invest in good people. There are lots of rules and regulations about the way things have to be done and cutting corners will ultimately come back to bite you.
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
The people. We really are a lovely, warm bunch in the North East and the vast majority of people are a joy to work with. The industry and innovation has always been there but it feels like there’s something special brewing in the region at the moment. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
The connection between business and society is often overlooked. Decisions we make as a company affect our staff and their families, our employers, our learners and that impact cascades into society as a whole. It’s our responsibility to teach people how to do things the right way both in terms of skills and behaviours.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
I would like to think I’m a really good dad and husband. We’ve got two children under two and I do my best to try and get the balance right between home and work. We do lots of exploring and adventuring outside with the kids. Sadly, I’m past the point where I consider myself really good at football, these days.
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