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MEET THE PEOPLE WHO POWER US: TOM DENT

 

At Makita, we’re incredibly proud of our people. Here, we chat to Tom Dent, a Power Tools Training Instructor from Glasgow.

 

How did you come to work in this industry?

I had a trade background already with a NVQ qualification, making and fitting bespoke doors and windows and conservatories. The real-world experience with machines helped nurture my knowledge and love for the tools. When it comes to the training part of my role, my background gave me some really good grounding as well. I have qualifications in sports coaching and spent 11 years in musical theatre, so I knew how to teach and perform for people – skills that I apply to my role today.

Working for Makita is great. I saw the job advertisement for this role during Covid and for my first interview I was asked to do a presentation on a DHP481 Combi Drill kit. I then had to demonstrate that I knew how a variety of machines like circular saws worked, that I understood the safety precautions involved and knew how to use them and set them up correctly.

From attending our training courses as a newcomer to shadowing some sessions and eventually running them myself, both my practical and leadership skills have flourished under Makita’s guidance.

 

What do you like about being a part of the Factory Service Centres?

I love it when new machines arrive, and I’m one of the first to get my hands on them. To see tech advance so much and learn what it can do is really exciting.

One of the reasons that the FSC’s are so great is because they are set up so well. The dedicated training rooms are ideal for delivering the theory aspects of the courses, and the demo rooms have everything you need for practical, hands on experience to learn with materials such as wood and metal. Our set-up ensures you’ll leave knowing exactly how to use the tools safely in the real world.

 

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

It’s really rewarding. I’ve been lucky to meet such a variety of people at all different levels, people who have all come with one purpose: to learn. I love working with others, encouraging them, and watching their confidence grow. It also feels good to know that I’m imparting both the knowledge and skills to make sure individuals are using the machines safely when they go off to site.

 

What is your favourite Makita tool?

My favourite tool to teach is definitely the Plunge Saw; it’s the gift that keeps on giving! There are so many cool features like the dip mode for worktop surfaces and the design itself, which makes blade changes easier. It’s so much fun to teach.

Outside of work, I probably use the LM001C Lawnmower the most, or a close second would be the combi drill. It’s great for most domestic jobs around the house.

 

If you would like to book a training session on our outdoor products with our experienced team which can be held at your premises, or at one of our Factory Service Centres, please click here.