Daniel James MEng, was one of NMITE’s first students, enrolling in the Accelerated Integrated Engineering programme in January 2022. Four years on, he has just completed a one-year International Graduate training Programme (IGP) at REHAU’s UK HQ in Ross-on-Wye, working in the Window Solutions Division.
“I joined REHAU in January 2025 and was immediately sent to their Mexican facility as part of the IGP, joining all other International Graduate recruits. We were introduced, in depth, to each of the company’s divisions, with the option of requesting a position in all divisions globally e.g. Germany, Mexico, Poland, UK or USA. I opted for Window Solutions in the UK at Ross-on-Wye, joining the Technical Team of Engineers plus support staff.
“We work on every aspect of technical solutions within the Fenestration (Window) Industry, whether that’s for use in a home or to designing bespoke commercial solutions for a high-rise office. Whilst my NMITE degree did not specifically teach the specialised engineering of polymer utilisation, UPVC extrusions, flexible glazing seals and a lot more, it did prepare me for working as part of an engineering team.”
Daniel’s line manager is Head of Technical Services & Certification Manager, Mark Gajda: “Our IGP is exceptionally competitive and rigorous. In the UK, a high number of applications are received with a demanding selection process in place prior to potential candidates being put forward to the final selection process, with the objective being to be selected as the UK Candidate on the IGP, thereby becoming one of thousands of applicants around the globe. To make it through our process, candidates must demonstrate not only technical ability but also the capability to think critically, ask challenging questions and have the flexibility to answer customer technical questions while also being part of a team tasked with creating a new product – from concept to finished item.”
Daniel explained: “REHAU’s training programme was very comprehensive, yes, demanding, but at the same time gave me the space and tolerance to learn from my mistakes. The programme included a three-month placement at the Window Solutions HQ at Erlangen, just outside Nuremberg, Germany. Whilst all the engineers spoke English far better than my GCSE German, that I spoke their language imperfectly was appreciated and made socialising more fun.
“Over the last year I have tackled a great range of jobs. I have helped resolve complex questions received from customers, helped design bespoke solutions for commercial projects, contributed to new product development and more mundanely but essential helped keep our technical database and drawings up to date as product specifications have been revised.
“NMITE prepared me in two ways,“ concludes Daniel, “First, the Integrated programme introduced me to a wide range of engineering disciplines that I would not have experienced in a traditional degree – I have used all but one so far. Second, was working in teams, asking why, finding solutions to real problems or creating designs through respectful discussion, and 360-degree critical thinking. All of which I have used in the last year.
“In practice I would be given tasks that, although being a trainee in general I found that I could deliver on time and to the required standard. So, did NMITE get me prepared for work? Unquestionably yes!”
But does Mark Gajda agree? “Yes, very much so. When we got down to a shortlist of two, being Daniel and one other with ample industrial experience, I felt that experience would be the deciding factor. I was wrong. When we started the final interview selection, it very quickly became clear that Daniel had the mindset and attitude that was much more mature, thoughtful and work-ready.
“Now that Daniel has completed the IGP and subsequent probation period, he was offered a permanent position by REHAU within the Windows Solution Department as a Technical Graduate Trainee, but with a view to becoming a Product Engineer WS through the next assessment period, and I am very pleased that he has accepted. He will be joining a family-owned and run business which has an enviable reputation as a very supportive employer with a strong, collaborative culture, particularly in the UK, where it is certified as a Great Place to Work.
“What NMITE has managed to deliver,” Mark concluded, “Is young engineers with the skills to contribute from day one. It is clear that over the three years of Daniel’s course, he had learnt and practised all the key transferable skills that are vital to any employer. More than that, the course had embedded grit, level-headedness and curiosity. So he was well prepared for REHAU, where we never stop being curious, open-minded to new ways of doing things, and constantly redefining the boundaries of what is possible.”
Dan’s route to NMITE was different. A straight-A student from John Masefield HS in Ledbury, he had started a Physics degree at a Russell Group university. He soon realised that the traditional, mostly theoretical teaching was not for him, and he switched to NMITE. The learning-by-doing, and the NMITE way clearly worked for Dan.
REHAU operates globally with 13,000 employees, and it has a turnover of Euro 3bn. Recognised as a market leader in the polymer industry with over 40,000 products, it serves customers across a number of sectors including: aerospace, building infrastructure, furniture, heating, plumbing, refrigeration and windows.
