Workshop Engineer

Tom Westley

I have been working at SMT GB since 2005. I started as an Apprentice and undertook the NVQ level 3 training in Plant Mechanics at The National Construction College in Bircham Newton. After I qualified, I progressed into a Workshop Engineer role; a job I had always been interested in.

A typical day involves working either alone or with the other Engineers as a team, to repair and maintain the machines that come into the workshop. This could include routine servicing or more complicated technical jobs.

To be a Workshop Engineer you do need both experience and qualifications, but by carrying out an Apprenticeship you can obtain the skills required. Anyone interested in working as an Engineer should have sound diagnostic skills, good initiative and a willingness to learn new things. It is also essential to be able to work well in a team. Team working is the most enjoyable part of my job I think!

Apart from the Apprenticeship training I received, I have also undertaken a professional ILM accredited management qualification which will allow me to further my career. I have participated in product training courses in the SMT GB training school, along with safety training.

My biggest challenge has been learning about the vast machinery range and different technology on the machines, but I feel competent to service and repair it with the help of my Apprenticeship training, technical courses from the SMT GB training school, plus coaching and support from experienced colleagues.

The best thing about working for SMT GB is that the company are committed to providing career opportunities and ways to further develop yourself.