A TALENTED software developer from Warrington & Vale Royal College has changed the way Stanley engineered fastening operates, with his innovative training and succession system now set to go global.
Ryan Kenny, a software developer apprentice at Stanley’s Woolston base, recently returned from an all-expenses paid trip to Miami, where he received the prestigious ‘Make the World’ award and $10,000 in Stanley Black & Decker shares, in recognition of his hard work.
During the trip to America, the 17 year old – who has been presented with a permanent position with Stanley –was invited to sit on the top table with Stanley Black & Decker President and CEO Jim Loree.
Ryan’s incredible success comes less than three years after first walking through Stanley’s doors as part of a work placement. He soon wowed his employers, with Stanley’s manufacturing continuous improvement manager, Russell Lodge seeing the potential in him.
After attending an open evening at Warrington & Vale Royal College, Ryan enrolled onto an apprenticeship with Stanley through the college.
He went on to produce a cutting edge digital solution to meet the needs of the Stanley’s business. Ryan’s training and succession software – Centurion – tracks staff development, alerting management ahead of time when they need to put plans in place to replace staff, whether that be through recruiting apprentices, upskilling current staff or employing new people.
On how Centurion has changed the way in which Stanley operates, Russell Lodge said: “As part of our employee engagement programme I have the privilege of working with young talented individuals who show a passion for learning and development. Ryan initially started on a week’s work experience placement working within continuous improvement where we could utilise Ryan’s software skills to support this exciting project.
“During Ryan’s time during work experience and his apprenticeship Ryan has developed at an astonishing pace, supported academically by Warrington & Vale College, where he has extended his IT software development skills and a solid understanding of multiple aspects of the business. Ryan has displayed what a young student can achieve with hard work, support and commitment.
“During his trip to America, Ryan demonstrated the Centurion system to colleagues in Chesterfield receiving excellent feedback from all levels of the business, Ryan looks to be key in the system’s implementation both in the States and in Europe in the future.
In addition to his core apprenticeship IT technical studies, Ryan also completed the Level 3 ILM Leadership & Management qualification at the college. He is now about to embark on a company-sponsored degree in Business & IT, following the completion of his apprenticeship seven months ahead of schedule.
Ryan is also being promoted to Business Systems Analyst and will work as part of the European Business Services Team.
Ryan said: “When I walk through Stanley’s building in Woolston and see my systems and what I have built up there on 80 inch monitors, with numerous people using them, it feels quite humbling. It’s such a privilege to be a part of.”
He added: “My apprenticeship with Stanley Black & Decker would not have been possible without Warrington & Vale Royal College. The college has been great, they really have, and my tutor Tim has been so supportive. I couldn’t have asked for a better tutor.”
Stanley HR manager Paul Atherton, said: “Ryan is a fantastic ambassador for our company, the college and apprenticeships in general. His phenomenal success is the combination of his passion, drive and appetite for learning, coupled with excellent support from his mentors, company and family; it brings the Warrington Operations Plant great joy to see Ryan flying high.”
To find out how you can follow in Ryan’s success, visit wvr.ac.uk.
