IKO People
Employee Testimonials

Alex’s interest in Engineering came from family ties and a presentation that got him hooked. What else is there to know about being an apprentice?
1.Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became an apprentice…
I am Alex and I am 20 years old. I became an apprentice because I always found my dad’s job interesting and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Paul, the Engineering Manager, came into college to give a speech on IKO and I was hooked!
2. Over the course of your apprenticeship what have been some of your most memorable moments?
Some of my most memorable moments have been during the shutdown periods, allowing me to learn all about how the factory works and how to complete major tasks.
3. What’s it been like working with IKO and studying for your Level 3 qualification?
It’s been fantastic working with IKO as everyone is friendly and very open to help each other. They will also help with college work if I am struggling and will be there every step of the way.
4. What does your future hold once you are qualified?
When I am qualified, I hope to go on shift with the other engineers and be competent and responsible enough to carry out jobs on my own.
5. What advice would you give to new apprentices?
To show willing, always work hard and just enjoy your apprenticeship.

As an apprentice, Adam likes getting his hands dirty, but also enjoys talking to colleagues at Christmas parties.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became an apprentice…
My name is Adam and I am very enthusiastic and love getting hands on. Also, I enjoy working on projects at home. I first got introduced to IKO at college and gave my CV in there.
2. Over the course of your apprenticeship what have been some of your most memorable moments?
There have been many memorable moments for me at IKO such as going to Bury to do a Confined Space Vessel Entry course. I also really enjoy the Christmas parties because everyone is so friendly.
3. What’s it been like working with IKO and studying for your Level 3 qualification?
I have really enjoyed my time with IKO and they have really helped me through my Level 3 qualification because of the friendly Maintenance Team which help me when I’m struggling.
4. What does your future hold once you are qualified?
When I become qualified I aspire to be a fitter on the Maintenance Team and hopefully one day become part of the Management team.
5. What advice would you give to new apprentices?
Work hard, keep your head down at college and write things down on a note pad when being taught things.

I am proud to work for IKO, a family company that has invested so much in both me and the UK business.
In 2002 I’d decided I wanted to move into sales, having a civil engineering and construction background. I was delighted later that year when IKO (Permanite Asphalt) offered me a sales position. Permanite had explained they valued bringing fresh individuals into the business that they could shape and mould to their business.
I joined Permanite in 2003 working for the mastic asphalt business. I worked in this team for 3 years gaining valuable roofing and sales experience. During that same period Permanite were developing PermaTEC our own hot melt offer and in 2006 I was given the opportunity to become part of a new PermaTEC sales team. During those first 2 – 3 years we were given the responsibility for developing and promoting that system. In that period I learnt a lot about research & development and marketing and gained valuable commercial experience.
By 2009 the IKO Permatec brand had firmly established itself in the market and we continued to grow the brand by developing new relationships with main contractors. This greatly assisted in furthering my commercial experience.
By 2012 the IKO Permatec team had grown in numbers and I was given the role of PermaTEC product manager with the responsibility of managing the team.
In 2014 I was provided with the commercial responsibility for the IKO’s Grangemill facility, I can now look back and see how much IKO as a company has invested in me and the experience it has given me as an individual.
At IKO, our corporate philosophy, vision and values are universal, embraced by all members of our global family.
IKO’s manufacturing facilities don’t operate in isolation; they collaborate to ensure their technologies are aligned in order to consistently deliver high-quality products no matter where they’re made – plant-to-plant, even batch-to-batch. Stringent quality controls are tightly monitored and enforced in every plant.