From delivering pizzas in Stockton to managing a high-tech maintenance team, Jack Rickaby’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to find your path – and that apprenticeships can truly change lives.
Now 31 and living in Wynyard, Jack is maintenance manager at Senstronics – a leading manufacturer of precision pressure sensors based on Aycliffe Business Park.
But his career didn’t begin with a clear plan. After leaving school, he followed a typical route into sixth form college but quickly realised it wasn’t right for him.
“I dropped out,” he says. “It just wasn’t the right environment. I took a part-time job in a pizza shop for a couple of years, then realised I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life.”
That decision led Jack to South West Durham Training in 2011, where he started a Level 2 pre-apprenticeship in Performing Engineering Operations – a gateway to a new future.
During the final year of his course, Jack was offered an apprenticeship at Senstronics – and hasn’t looked back since.
Founded as a specialist in high-performance, thin-film pressure sensors, Senstronics provides components used in extreme environments – from aerospace and defence to motorsport and industrial machinery.
The firm is known not just for innovation, but for its strong investment in people.
Jack’s early potential was recognised, and the company supported him through his Level 3 apprenticeship and later an HNC in Mechatronics at Darlington College.
“I had people around me guiding me when I was new to the industry,” he says. “Senstronics have put me through loads of training – fork truck driving, welding, fabrication and tool making. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
He became a maintenance technician in 2016 and steadily expanded his skills. In 2024, he stepped up to become maintenance manager – his first leadership role.
“I can’t stress enough the value of apprenticeships,” says Jack. “You get hands-on experience, earn while you learn – and if you’ve got a good employer, they’ll encourage you to go further.”
Now, Jack plays a key role in developing the next generation.
“We’ve got three apprentices on site who are close to finishing,” he says. “I’m guiding them through their endpoint assessments so they can become permanent technicians.”
It’s a chance to give back to the company that gave him his start.
Jack credits much of his progression to the culture at Senstronics – one built around collaboration, innovation, accountability and creating a positive work environment.
“I’ve had a lot of help from the senior leadership team, but it’s not just them – if you ask anyone for help, they’ll go out of their way. Everyone buys into the culture. It’s a happy place to work.”
That collaborative spirit has helped the business grow rapidly.
“I remember when we were shipping under a million parts a year,” says Jack. “Now we’re at around 1.8 million. It’s almost doubled.”
With further expansion on the horizon – including plans to recruit a new head of engineering – Jack believes it’s a great time to join Senstronics.
“I’d encourage anyone to take a look,” he says. “There’s a real sense of teamwork – it’s like a family, with all departments working closely together.”
Jack’s story is one of opportunity and personal growth – from dropping out of sixth form to finding purpose and progression through an apprenticeship.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunity and encouragement I’ve had here,” he says. “It has set me up for life.”
His story is not just about personal success – it’s a shining example of what can happen when potential meets opportunity in the right environment.
And it’s a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to find your calling.
Check out career opportunities with Senstronics at www.senstronics.com/careers
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