What does your job involve?

The toolmaking side of my job involves repairing and improving press tools, manufacturing spare parts for various tooling on site, as well as spares used on the machines on the shop floor. I also act as a production services engineer when required. This involves working on breakdowns, ensuring that the machine is back into production as quick as possible. I also make improvements to the machines, normally in a window of downtime that is agreed with production. 

Have you progressed since starting with Whittan. What has been your career path?

I started as an apprentice. I finished my 3 year apprenticeship 6 months earlier. At that point I was offered the role of toolmaker. After working closely with the maintenance team as a toolmaker and offering help when required, I was moved to the maintenance side of the production services team. Due to changes in personnel, I currently float between the roles of toolmaker and production services engineer, dependant on work load in each department and which shift I am working. 

What do you enjoy about your job?

I mostly enjoy the level of variety that the jobs bring. No two days is the same and there are always fresh challenges. I get a great deal of job satisfaction when I make a successful repair or improvement to a machine or tool.

What do you like about the company?

Everyone associated with the company is friendly and helpful. I have had a lot of help during my development from all areas of the business. The guys on the shop floor have been patient with myself during my learning curve and have always offered help and advice. I also had a lot of support from the HR department during my apprenticeship. 

Future career goals within Whittan

Short term I would like to see myself in a role where I can make real improvements on the shop floor, with regards to the machines and the processes. From there I see myself working within the operations team to continue these process improvements, but on a larger scale.