“Finding time to actively learn and professionally develop is difficult, there are only so many hours in the day. However, I find a lot of learning and development comes on the job, being new challenges from clients’ briefs, issues occurring with current products needing improvement or general challenges within the workplace.”
“As stated before, the world is constantly changing, and new challenges arise. Some will come with technological improvements, but some will close businesses. One problem I already see happening is the lack of younger people getting into manual machining with most smaller machine shops work force hitting retirement, therefore there is a real skill shortage within manufacturing. This will in turn increase prices for the processes and therefore products.”
“One thing I have never shied away from is work experience/ offering to work for minimum pay/expenses. During my studies in the most unlikely of places, my hairdresser told me a client of their client ran the office for a local machine shop. After getting their number and an initial meet, I spent days in between studying at the machine shop, helping fulfil their orders including basic workshop tasks like setting and unloading of CNC machines, also had access to the manual machines to practice on. Although the work I was doing was basic, having exposure to the industry, asking engineers questions, etc, was all valuable experience, and although I wasn’t aiming to become a machinist for a career, understanding the manufacturing processes increased my ability to design for them.
Otherwise, any other advice would just be to try as much as possible, whether it’s a design or a conversation, you never know.”
“As engineering is a vast industry there are many avenues to go down, and fortunately many transferable skills. Give it a go, what’s the worst that can happen?”
It is an opportunity to help students explore the alignment of their skills and passions with the world of engineering and to shine a light on inspirational engineers and technicians, reshaping young people’s perceptions of the industry.
Discover more about how SMC can help design your next project here, or check out Tomorrow’s Engineer Week 2023 at tomorrowengineers.org.uk
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Our 7-page mast servicing guide is free to download and offers guidance and support on routine mast maintenance. It contains essential tips, recommendations and advice on how to look after your SMC mast. It also gives instructions on how to check the mast seals, perform air pressure tests, and how to correctly store and winterize your mast. Download your free SMC Mast Service Guide below.
