I studied general engineering at the university of Sheffield, and after studying such a broad subject I knew I wanted to start my career in a company where I could experience a range of different parts of a business rather than being boxed into a specialism straight away. After doing more research into the scheme it was clear how the programme is designed to support graduate development as well as having the freedom to tailor the rotations to what you want to learn and how you want to grow.
I am currently coming to the end of my first rotation, within UK Supply where I have been leading the design of a new assembly line. It’s been a really hands on project that has given me the chance to combine engineering problem solving with project and stakeholder management. From the very beginning I have been involved with the full end to end process of a project, from defining the requirements right through to testing and validation.
Along the way, I’ve gained exposure to lean manufacturing principles, process mapping and digital tooling, and helped me to become more confident to make decisions based on data, safety and efficiency. What made the rotation particularly valuable was the level of autonomy and ownership I have been given.
From leading the data analysis of current state, concept development, supplier engagement, creating different layout plans and working closely alongside the operators and team leaders on the shop floor to ensure the design meets their needs. This meant developing strong communication and influencing skills.
I am currently a projects engineer within UK Supply. Because of the scope of the assembly line project, no two days look the same. One day I might be liaising with suppliers about elements of the new line like the new test rig or benches, discussing the specification and ensuring they are aligned with the design. On another day I could be problem solving on a layout challenge or designing new fixturing to make the build process more ergonomic and efficient for the operators.
I also spend a lot of time on the shop floor, to understand the processes and for example to introduce new digital tools. There is also the more corporate side of the role where once the concepts have been developed, I will help to present them to senior stakeholders in order to gain the CAPEX approval.
The culture in UK Supply is so welcoming and supportive, people are genuinely interested in hearing new ideas, even the slightly out there ones. The openness has definitely given me the confidence to speak up and challenge existing processes and try to shape real improvements. I have been encouraged to think independently and to take ownership of my work that has made it much easier to make an impact. The friendly and approachable nature has made it very easy for me to connect with people across all levels of the business, and thanks to this I have not been hesitant to ask questions or share my thoughts.
