Mike Smith - Cumbria Careers Hub

Mike Smith

Why did you become an Enterprise Adviser?

“I’ve spent many years helping young people to achieve their career goals and aspirations, especially through becoming either an apprentice or graduate. The most important thing I’ve learnt over time, is that the key to achieving career success, is to give individuals the right career advice and provide role models of successful individuals, as early as possible. By volunteering as an EA, I hope to be able to share my experience and help schools offer both appropriate and high-quality careers advice to their students.”

Tell us about your chosen career or career pathway to your current role

“I started my career in the design office of a large specialist engineering manufacturing company as an apprentice draughtsman. From there, I graduated in mechanical engineering and joined the nuclear industry, were I worked for 20 years and had a wide range of experience in fields including quality, engineering maintenance, manufacturing and project management. I subsequently became CEO of a large local training company and for the next 15 years, helped grow the business to become one of the leading providers of its type within the UK. I now work as an independent consultant helping organisations improve their businesses by developing the capability of their workforce.”

What careers advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?

“Focus on attaining the best qualifications you can and exploit any opportunities presented to you to expand your knowledge of the world of work, either through work experience or volunteering for community projects.”

What do you like/love best about living and working in Cumbria?

“I love the quality of life that you can have in Cumbria, the landscape and natural beauty of the environment and the peace and serenity of the lakes and fells. Above all, I love the ability to work with and live amongst some great people living in great communities.”