What made you decide to do an apprenticeship?
I have always wanted to focus my career in and around engineering from a young age. I believe academic learning has greater value when combined with real life work experience and is a great stepping-stone into the engineering industry.
How did the opportunity for you to start an apprenticeship with Exyte Hargreaves arise?
I was studying electrical & electronic engineering at Bury college. My tutor mentioned possible apprenticeship opportunities at a local engineering company. I dropped my CV off, attended the interview and here I am today 9 years later!
What did you do your apprenticeship in?
I initially joined the company as a Fabricator/Welding apprentice and qualified as a skilled fabricator/welder in 2015. The values and experience I have learnt from great people during my apprenticeship will always be with me and my career in the future. After completing my apprenticeship, I was offered a great opportunity to carry on my career progression. I started my HNC in Engineering & Manufacture and progressed to complete my HND in Engineering & Manufacture in 2019. In my current role as production leader, I am still learning and gaining valuable experience every day.
What projects have you worked on?
The nature of my role within manufacturing means I have been fortunate to work on most projects over the years. I have worked on the following projects:
Hinkley point, Sellafield, TMF, Mensa, Chernobyl, Flintershire & Hunterston converter station, Liverpool Hospital, Manchester airport, Farringdon, Helios, Keadby & Mensa (OSA).
What is involved in your current role?
My role is to manage our products through production to delivery. I work closely within the production team and my role is to lead & manage the manufacturing team. The most important aspect of my role is to ensure we are working in a productive and efficient manner by achieving our KPI’s whilst also working safely and professionally. I also ensure we are working to plan to achieve project requirements. Day to day my role involves the following: Issuing work into the factory, supervising the shop floor, pip tracking, leading production & planning meetings, employee performance management, recruitment, employee development & training, H&S observations/implementations, project R&D, manufacturing process improvement & implementation.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
The aspect of my role I enjoy the most is no day is the same as the last. Everyday there is a new challenge to overcome, learn from and improve. I also find managing and developing people’s skills within manufacturing extremely rewarding, especially the current apprentices.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement, which I am very proud of, is completing my HND in Engineering & Manufacture with a triple distinction whilst working in my current role. I am also proud to have been part of the OSA team involved with implementing OSA on the shop floor. This presented many challenges to overcome such has setting up the assembly process and introducing agency operators from various disciplines into the factory.
What are your career aspirations?
I am currently developing my knowledge and experience in people management & leadership within my current role which I really enjoy. I am also starting to be involved with the business side of manufacturing which I would like to learn more about and move into. I one day hope to progress into a managerial position.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of joining the industry?
Engineering & Construction offers you great opportunities to start & develop your career. If you are not sure which role is best for you, the likelihood is you will find the correct role for your career. continuous improvement is key, always ask questions. Always learn from the experienced people around you but also do not be afraid to challenge standard practices.
