Bufab-David-Vahter
    Former trainee

    David Vahter

    Managing Director

    Apex Stainless Fasteners - United Kingdom

    Bufab has a family feeling about it, despite it being a world-wide outfit that is continuing to grow.

    What have you studied?

    I have studied a Master of Science (MSc), Business Administration at Gothenburg University.

    What is your best experience from the trainee program?

    First and foremost, I think it was great to get to know the fellow trainees and colleagues.

    I had great fun and I keep in contact with most trainees from back then. The trainee program is a great opportunity to get to know the whole spectrum of the Bufab business model. Being able to understand all “kegs in the wheel” will always help you along the way no matter what company or department you end up in.

    Please describe your career at Bufab after the trainee program

    I started off working within Sourcing and Business Development in various parts of Bufab. Within 2-3 years I moved more towards Management which probably was a more natural fit for me. I spent five years as the MD of Bufab Denmark, part of a team of five, the job was hands-on and quite sales oriented. After a bit of a slow start, we started to perform well at Bufab Denmark. After five years in Denmark I got the opportunity to join Bufab Norway as MD. Bufab Norway was more settled and a larger organization with about 20 employees. It was a good experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.

    I had always fancied moving back to the UK and it was a bit of a no-brainer to join Apex when the opportunity arose. The business model we run at Apex is quite different compared to the majority of Bufab companies. With 100 employees across four sites there is plenty of challenges to deal with.

    Do you recommend the Bufab trainee program for newly graduated?

    I would recommend it. Bufab has a family feeling about it, despite it being a world-wide outfit that is continuing to grow. Continued growth will allow you to develop within the business where your contribution will matter.