Brief description of role:

I am a trainee technician based in the L2 Central Workshop. My role involves learning and using many practical based skills in machining components  with varying complexities. I am sometimes involved in other projects such as reverse engineering parts for the spitfire simulator.

Three things you love about your job:

I learn new skills that I can apply to other things each day which allows me to progress further.

The people I work with within the workshop are always happy to share their knowledge and help solve issues when I’m stuck.

Having to find solutions to problems along the way.

What makes a good technician:

Good ability to solve problems in day to day work, open to change and have the ability to think outside the box

What advice would you give to other technicians:

If you are ever in doubt, ask. There are many people across the faculty with a wide range of skillsets, we can all learn from each other. Sharing ideas with others can spark more ideas/interests with others.

Hobby/Interesting (non-work related) fact about you:

 I enjoy tinkering with my motorcycle and restoring them. I have a keen interest in anything electronic or mechanical!

Brief description of role:

 I am a trainee technician in the Centre for Mechanical Systems (CMS) workshop in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment (DABE). I support postgraduate research students in the design and construction of research rigs, and provide any other assistance as required for their research. Besides this, I give advice and manufacture one off pieces for model making for undergraduate students in the department. I also help in the general maintenance of the workshop.

Three things you love about your job:

 I operate a variety of machines. I gain a range of skills. I work with people who are willing to share their knowledge and teach me.

What makes a good technician:

 Specific to my role, a good technician needs to have a range of skills in manufacturing and model making, possess the knowledge and be competent in operating a variety of machines. Be able to provide solutions for students.

What advice would you give to other technicians:

 Get to know people and buildings around the faculty, gain knowledge in what machines or facilities are available across different buildings of the faculty, be friendly.

Hobby/Interesting (non-work related) fact about you:

 I like swimming. My daily journey to and from work totals to 100 miles, reflects how much I like it.

Brief description of role:

I am a second year apprentice based in UTC in the Advanced Manufacturing Building. Day to day I use a variety of machines such as both manual and CNC lathes and millers as well as high pressure water jetters to support the manufacture of research project components. I work closely with a group of postgraduate students to ensure the needs of their projects are met, as well as giving advice on appropriate component design to enable manufacture.

Three things you love about your job:

Using a wide variety of machinery ensures every day is different and keeps me on my toes

Because the research varies so much there is a massive opportunity to learn a large amount of new skills.

The satisfaction of creating quality work pieces for a very grateful group of students.

What makes a good technician:

Intuition and being able to compromise and problem solve.

What advice would you give to other technicians:

Knowing the skills of the people you work with; with so much knowledge throughout the faculty there’s a lot to be learnt from one another.

Brief description of role:

I am the Trainee Technician in the Wolfson building. The work we do is predominantly teaching and research work which involves many different things. We have undergraduate labs that we run year-round which need technical supervision and support. I am also responsible for training students on sample preparation and the entire process that involves, right from cutting their samples to looking at the microstructures. Lastly, I am heavily involved in the thermal analysis lab in operating equipment and training students. 

Three things you love about your job:

• There is a lot of variety as there is always new students coming in with different problems and concerns.
• The amount of knowledge I am able to learn from the experienced skilled workers around me
• The amount of different machinery and equipment we have

What makes a good technician:

Being able to find a solution to any problem when it arises, even if it is something you are unfamiliar with. 

What advice would you give to other technicians:

Try as many new things as you can and try to broaden your knowledge as much as possible. Specialising/focusing on one aspect is good but it’s even better when you can be pulled in to help fellow workers for other things.

Hobby/Interesting (non-work related) fact about you:

My hobby is football and I have played it ever since I can remember, even playing at academy level for many years.

Brief description of role:

I work in the composites department where I provide technical support in both mechanical engineering and composite engineering.

Three things you love about your job:

Working in a hands on environment.

The variation of work.

Problem solving.

What makes a good technician:

Self-discipline, ability to think laterally, attention to detail and the determination to get the job done.

What advice would you give to other technicians:

Take pride in your work and never stop learning!

Brief description of role:

I am a trainee technician for the advanced manufacture building on Jubilee Campus. My role entails a vast variety of tasks such as general workspace maintenance/ improvements as well as helping students with anything they need, however I am primarily focused on CAD.  Whenever I have free time while at work I use it to excel any skills that go hand in hand with job roles that might approach me. 

Three things you love about your job:

You face new tasks and challenges on a daily basis, near enough every day is different.

There is always someone willing to lend a helping hand or advise you on an alternate solution, however you don’t feel as if someone is looking over your shoulder all the time which gives you the sense of independence. 

Everything is a learning experience, at the end of the day you might be new to the specific working environment so mistakes happen its just the matter of learning from them.

What makes a good technician:

Determination. Perseverance. Attention to Detail.

If you are faced with a challenging task, the way you go about creating a solution is the most important part. You have to be a good problem solver and logical thinker. Someone might come to you with an idea but bewildered on how to get to the end product, this is where a technician would play their role and create multiple plausible solutions for them. 

What advice would you give to other technicians:

Get stuck in. If you are brand new to the job context then don’t be afraid to give your input as the task may just of needed a fresh set of eyes on it. If what you say isn’t correct then you can learn a different way of approaching that specific task. No-one will judge you for trying to help. 

Hobby/Interesting (non-work related) fact about you:

I enjoy playing and watching football, I play 5-aside at the weekends every so often. I also enjoy gaming. I mainly play Xbox, however I also play on PC. My favourite types of games tend to consist of anything where you can use your creativity and create something from nothing. 

Brief description of role:

I am a Lab Technician in Wolfson Building, the role I have is varied.  I support the teaching labs in the building also working with Masters and PhD students supporting their projects.  I complete regular checks on the labs equipment make sure it is work correctly and safely.

Three things you love about your job:

Interacting with the students

Learning new skills everyday

Fixing and repairing equipment

What makes a good technician:

Being proactive rather than reactive 

What advice would you give to other technicians:

Learn every day and if you need help and advice ask don’t just carry on 

Hobby/Interesting (non-work related) fact about you:

I go kayaking and climbing