From Apprentice to Senior Technician: Dean Storey Celebrates 20 Years at Surgical Holdings

This year marks a special milestone at Surgical Holdings –  20 years since one of our first apprentices, Dean Storey, joined the team. From a fresh-faced apprentice learning the ropes to a highly skilled Senior Technician, Dean’s journey is a story of dedication, and growth, highlighting the power of a lifelong career in medical device manufacturing.

Dean’s story with Surgical Holdings began in 2004, when a friend mentioned a job opportunity. After a bit of research, he decided to apply and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I first heard about Surgical Holdings through a friend who had just applied for a job there. I looked it up, liked the sound of it, and applied,” Dean recalls.

The first day left a lasting impression: a warm welcome from the team and the unforgettable sights and sounds of a busy manufacturing workshop –  from the hum of heavy machinery to the distinctive smell of oil and hot metal.

Dean began his career with a polishing apprenticeship, later progressing to complete an instrument technician apprenticeship. Two decades on, he’s now a Senior Technician, a role he takes great pride in.

Over the past 20 years, Dean has seen Surgical Holdings evolve from a small, close-knit team into a leading medical device manufacturer.

“The biggest change for me has to be seeing the company grow from a small operation with just two units to now a large operation with six units and nearly triple the staff.”

With that growth has come opportunity –  new skills, new responsibilities, and new achievements. Dean cites his promotion to Senior Technician as one of his proudest moments, a testament to years of hard work and expertise.

One of the aspects of his work Dean enjoys most is the Charnley Initial Incision Retractor Set, a product that demands a high level of precision and craftsmanship.

“It requires a lot of skill and many processes to manufacture –  turning, drilling, welding, and polishing, just to name a few.”

Over the years, Dean’s technical skills have remained sharp, but one of the most valuable lessons he’s learned is the importance of teamwork.

Surgical Holdings has evolved alongside Dean’s career, placing greater emphasis on staff health and wellbeing, investing in training, and creating opportunities for the team to grow and develop their skills.

“Every day is different, and there’s always something new to learn plus, I get to work with fantastic people.”

For those starting out as apprentices today, Dean’s advice is simple but powerful:

“You’ve been given a great opportunity. If you work hard and stick with it, you’ll learn specialist skills, meet fantastic people, and build a career for life — one that’s always changing and never boring.”

For Dean, his 20 years with Surgical Holdings mean far more than professional success.

“I’ve made some fantastic friends, and both they and the company have helped shape who I am today. I’ve had a stable, reliable career that’s allowed me to start a family and live comfortably with very little worry.”

Dean’s journey is a shining example of what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and the right support. From our first apprentice to a cornerstone of our team, we’re proud to celebrate 20 incredible years with Dean  and we’re excited to see what the next chapter holds.