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From Apprentice to Technical Manager: Lloyd’s 23-Year Journey at Neath Coachbuilders.

When Lloyd Owen first joined Neath Coachbuilders back in 2000, he couldn’t have imagined the career path that lay ahead. Now Technical Manager and responsible for design and quotation, Lloyd has become a key part of the company’s continued growth—bringing over two decades of experience, insight and an appreciation for the apprenticeship route that shaped him.

“My school was right next to Neath Coachbuilders,” Lloyd recalls. “I’d often see the team sitting on the wall during their lunch breaks—it was a familiar part of the local landscape.”

That early connection helped shape his path. With a brother already following in their father’s footsteps through an apprenticeship, Lloyd knew he wanted to do the same—just in a slightly different direction.

After finishing school, a friend who worked at Neath helped Lloyd get his foot in the door with an apprenticeship. Lloyd began on the servicing and engineering side, building up the practical skills that would eventually lead him into more a technical role at Neath Coachbuilders.

Today, he oversees design and quotation—connecting client needs to tailored solutions while ensuring the highest build quality from concept to completion.

“Some of my proudest moments have come from seeing a build go all the way—from the initial idea and costing to the final handover,” he says. “When a customer sees their vehicle for the first time and it exceeds expectations—that’s a real highlight.”

“If a man made it, a man can fix it.”

A defining moment early in Lloyd’s journey was meeting Arthur Peake, a mentor during his apprenticeship. “Arthur had this saying: ‘If a man made it, a man can fix it.’ That mindset stuck with me, and I’ve passed it on to the apprentices I now mentor – they bring fresh energy and ideas. This industry is niche—cranes, hydraulics, diagnostics. It’s highly technical. Training apprentices from the ground up is essential, and it’s great to see their confidence and skill set grow.”

Growth at Every Level

Neath Coachbuilders has long been committed to investing in people.

“When I started, Neath put me through college, then continued to train me every year—two technical courses annually, everything from tail lifts to product diagnostics. That investment shaped me, I believe in doing the job to the highest standards, and I encourage the same mindset in every apprentice I work with.”

Looking Ahead: A Future Still in the Making

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Lloyd doesn’t hesitate: “Still at Neath Coachbuilders. I genuinely enjoy what I do.” 

If he could trade roles for a day: “I wouldn’t. I think I’ve got the best job in the company. Maybe I’d swap with someone with less responsibility—but only for a day!”

As for his dream project? “Something high-volume, for a leading manufacturer. A big challenge, with streamlined design and one clear spec—that’s the kind of work I’d love to take on.”

One Last Surprise

What would surprise Lloyd’s younger self about his current job? “That I’d be in an office. I’ve always been hands-on. I never imagined I’d end up in a more technical, design-led role—but it’s where I’m meant to be.”

Investing in People, Building the Future

Lloyd’s story is more than just a personal success—it’s a reflection of Neath Coachbuilders’ long-term investment in people. Apprenticeship isn’t just an entry route here; it’s a foundation for leadership, innovation, and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re just starting out or shaping the next generation, Lloyd’s journey shows what’s possible when talent is supported and grown from within.