Kerry Briggs
From apprentice electrician to operations director, Suffolk College alumnus Kerry Briggs has built a standout career shaped by technical skill and a passion for apprenticeships.
Kerry Briggs began his journey at Suffolk College in 1981 as an apprentice electrician. Over nine years, he progressed through his A, B and C electrical qualifications, completed his ONC and HNC, and later returned to study management — ultimately achieving a postgraduate diploma. The College became the foundation for both his technical expertise and his long-term career development.
Strong teaching left a lasting impact, particularly the industry‑experienced tutors who brought real‑world knowledge into the classroom. The mix of block release, day release and evening study gave Kerry a broad understanding of electrical engineering and the confidence to apply it in the workplace. College also marked a shift in mindset: being treated like an adult for the first time helped him take ownership of his learning and future.
After eight years progressing from apprentice to project manager, Kerry moved into telecoms during the major mobile network rollout. He went on to start and sell two businesses, including a building services company that grew into one of the largest in the region, employing 23 apprentices at its peak and winning multiple national awards. Supporting apprentices became one of the defining achievements of his career.
Today, Kerry is Operations Director at Concertus, overseeing teams in Ipswich and Matlock. His role is now centred on management, but the technical grounding from his College years continues to underpin his work and decision‑making.
Kerry’s advice to current students is simple: stay on top of your work. Consistent effort, even just a few hours a week, makes learning easier and keeps stress at bay. It’s a habit that shaped his own success and one he believes can make all the difference for the next generation.