Anonymous

Details

Skills

Workshop Management: I've gained extensive hands-on experience running a busy workshop, responsible for the daily operation, upkeep, and repair of a wide range of machinery. This includes everything from traditional metalworking and woodworking equipment like milling machines, lathes, pillar drills, and bandsaws, to modern tools like 3D printers and laser cutters. Mechanical & Technical Problem Solving: As a natural problem solver, I thrive on diagnosing and fixing complex mechanical and technical issues with workshop equipment, always aiming to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. Health & Safety: Health and safety is paramount to me; I proactively implement rigorous protocols, conduct regular checks, and manage inspections to ensure a secure and compliant workshop environment. Digital Fabrication & CAD Proficiency: I'm proficient in various CAD software for technical drawing and design, with practical experience bringing designs to life through 3D printing and laser cutting. Equipment Maintenance & Inventory: I take pride in keeping workshops efficient and up-to-standard; this involves logging equipment, managing repairs, sourcing materials, and always looking for ways to improve our processes. Precision & Attention to Detail: My background has instilled in me a meticulous eye for detail, which I apply to all technical tasks to ensure accuracy, quality, and effective resolution of even the most intricate problems. Practical Learner Support & Supervision: I enjoy supporting workshop staff and guiding diverse groups of full-time and apprenticeship learners through practical tasks, ensuring they gain confidence and skills. Curriculum Development & Delivery Contribution: I've actively contributed to curriculum planning, delivery, and assessment, ensuring practical sessions effectively meet educational outcomes. Technical Training & Guidance: I'm adept at empowering students and staff, providing clear technical instruction and safety training so they can confidently use workshop tools and machinery. Pedagogical Application: My PGCE in Further Education (Distinction) underpins my reflective teaching practice, enabling me to use diverse methods to effectively support a wide range of learners. Collaborative Teamwork: I value collaborative teamwork, and enjoy working closely with teaching staff and colleagues to enhance our educational environment and achieve shared goals.

About

I was thrilled when I discovered that Loughborough College was advertising for an Engineering Workshop Technician. It feels particularly apt, as my background involves a lot of hands-on technical work in Education. The opportunity to apply my technical skills to support an innovative engineering curriculum and develop the next generation of engineers is very exciting. My strong foundation in workshop practices stems from being a Design and Technology Teacher & Technician for the past 3 years. In this position, I have been responsible for the maintenance and repair of a wide array of workshop equipment, ensuring safety and efficient operation. This includes a range of engineering machinery such as Milling Machines, Lathes, Pillar Drills, Bandsaws, as well as laser cutters, 3D printers, and other traditional workshop machinery. During my time in this job, I have developed extensive mechanical knowledge. Additionally, the role has taught me things like using CAD software, control of hazardous substances, keeping inventories, and working with CLEAPSS to develop risk assessments. A big part of the role has been to continuously improve standards of the workshop and machinery, to ensure we meet or exceed regulations. Since I started, the department is significantly safer, better maintained, and more organised. Beyond this, my background as a Photographer would also demonstrate technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues. I have spent many years working with complex equipment and resolving technical issues. The role requires you to be good with computers and using complex software. I have always done a mixture of artistic practice and commercial work, so I am happy collaborating, working to a brief, or working independently. My work has achieved acclaim at national galleries, and taught me to be tenacious and meticulous. Furthermore, I have a strong academic background, with a First-class Undergraduate degree and Master's degree. This cultivated in me a strong work ethic and a love of rigour, always striving for a perfect synthesis of theory and practice. University was a wonderful time, and an environment where I first felt I was flourishing. Later, I returned for PGCE, achieving a Level 7, whilst lecturing at Canterbury College. I taught skills to a diverse set of learners, using a variety of progressive teaching methods. My PGCE instilled in me a reflective teaching practice and an understanding of how to support people to learn effectively, which I believe would be an asset when assisting workshop lecturers and supervising groups of full-time and apprenticeship learners in a practical environment. While I understand there may be candidates with different types of engineering experience, the prospect of contributing to a role like this has genuinely captivated me for some time. Although my background in education could lead to various career paths, I feel a role focused on the practical application of technical skills aligns more closely with my long-term interests and aptitudes. I have always been fascinated by the meeting points between art, design, and scientific principles, in many instances writing about this during my education. I have often regretted not studying engineering, because it seems that is where I am most at home. However, I am committed to continuous learning. I thrive when presented with independent, creative problem-solving tasks, and I am very excited about the potential to contribute to your team.