Trading Horizons: From UK Workshops to Australian Installations
Working in the MHA Group comes with its advantages, one of these being part of a multinational group is the ability to share expertise across the globe. Recently, we’ve seen a successful exchange between Guttridge in the UK and Allied Grain Systems (AGS) in Australia, with two of our fabricators, Henry and Jorge, trading places.
Henry’s journey began at AGS in Australia back in October 2022. After finishing his two-year fabrication apprenticeship, he spent his time fabricating structural elements for the silos AGS was building, often travelling across Australia on a three-week rotation for installations. When the group sent out a memo with an opportunity to work in the UK, Henry thought he would give it a shot. Within four weeks, he had secured his visa and joined us at Guttridge to see how the manufacturing side of the business operated here in the UK.
Jorge took the opposite route. After completing his welding and fabrication apprenticeship here at Guttridge he found himself looking for a change of pace and a change to travel. Jorge wanted to trade the workshop for more time outdoor & onsite, he took the opportunity to move to Australia and join the AGS team. For Jorge the move was about more than just a job, it was a chance to see if the Australian way of life and the intense heat of the outback suited him better than the English weather.
The Adjustment
A move of 10,000 miles is a significant step, but the group’s internal process is designed to support staff as much as possible. The transition for both involved some significant shifts. Henry found the move relatively smooth, though the shorter UK winter days took some getting used to. He quickly settled in by joining the Spalding Rugby Club, finding that a local team was the fastest way to build a social circle.
Jorge admits the move was more of a shock to the system. “The move was scary, if I’m honest; there was a lot back home that I was leaving behind,” he said. The physical changes were some of the biggest challenges moving during the UK winter, transitioning from freezing mornings to 45°C Australian summer days. The ten-hour time difference also meant it took him two weeks just to get into a normal sleeping pattern.
Different Scale, Different Work
The real value of this exchange is how it helps to support out team’s experience. While the fabrication skills are universal, the work changes between our global sites, and this exchange allows our staff to become familiar with what the MHA group as a whole can offer.
In Australia, Henry was used to working on a large silo project with a focus on assembly and installation. Since moving to Guttridge, he has been learning more about the in-depth manufacturing of the conveyors themselves. He has also had the chance to travel to France & Brazil recently for work projects as part of the UK team.
Jorge has experienced the opposite shift. Having spent his apprenticeship in the fabrication shop at Guttridge, he has discovered a preference for the on-site work common at AGS. “I instantly fell in love with working outside,” Jorge said, noting that he now works more with heavy structural steel on-site rather than in a workshop environment.
The Verdict
Both Henry and Jorge are proof that the MHA Group is a place where you can grow your career, we are always excited to have opportunities where our staff can travel and work. Both Henry and Jorge agree that the experience has been a success. Jorge has no current plans to return to the UK and his Australian colleagues have made him feel right at home.
Henry’s contract runs until March, and after a month of travelling through Europe, he is looking at the possibility of extending his stay in the UK. His advice to anyone else in the group is straightforward: “I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a good experience and a great opportunity to work both in the UK and abroad.” Jorge agrees, adding, “Do it. I could not encourage it more—especially if you are young.”
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Guttridge Limited, Wardentree Park, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 3UU, United Kingdom
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