10 Questions With: Andy Cresswell

Get to know our leadership team…

We asked PPL Training’s Mechanical Training Manager, Andy Cresswell, 10 questions about his time at PPL, career prior to joining PPL and his interests outside of the workplace.

Tell us your name and role at PPL Training…

My name is Andy Creswell, I am the Mechanical Training Manager at PPL Training. 

How long have you been working in the Mechanical industry?

I started as a mechanical apprentice in 1980 so overall around 44 years.

When did you join PPL Training?

I joined PPL Training in February 2013.

What industries have you worked in prior to joining PPL Training?

Previous to working for PPL Training, I had worked in the coal mining industry, leaving with a role as engineer in charge of the shift, deputising for the unit mechanical engineer. Then had 2 training positions before starting with PPL.

Why did you pursue a career in Training? 

The demise of the coal industry. I was invited to the training world after showing interest. I Always enjoyed my training and thought it would be good to share my skills.

Describe one of your biggest accomplishments in your career… 

My HND in mining engineering and becoming the training manager for PPL.

How has PPL Training helped you to further your career?

PPL has always provided me with the opportunity to progress. PPL always invests in their people.

If you were to name one person, who has been your biggest influence as a mechanical engineer / manager, who would it be and why? 

I would list three people. John Whitehead from the coal mines, Gary Cooper from PPL and James Booth from PPL… but if I had to name one, it would be Gary Cooper. 

Gary is from a similar engineering background and came into training at a similar time. Our progression has been similar with me following in his footsteps filling the roles he had vacated.

Do you have any future goals for you and your team? 

Yes. Goals for myself: Achieve a higher position within PPL.
Goals for the team: Become the most profitable group within PPL.

And finally… What do you like to do outside of work?

I do a lot of volunteer work. I am a volunteer tour guide at the national coal mining museum, an assistant verger at the local church and a parish councillor for the village where I live. I also enjoy walking and I have recently taken up walking football.