Meet Jaymi McLean, Machining Apprentice at Turnmill Engineering as he provides an insightful look into a typical day within the manufacturing sector.
What are the first tasks or activities you usually do when you arrive at work?
When I arrive, I clock in and make sure I’m properly equipped with my PPE, including boots, ear protection, and safety glasses. Next, I check in with my apprentice master at my workstation to discuss the day’s tasks and priorities. This helps me plan my workload and understand what skills I’ll be developing throughout the day.
Can you walk us through your main tasks and responsibilities throughout the day?
Throughout the day, I focus on completing the tasks assigned by my apprentice master and managers to the best of my ability. My main responsibility is operating machinery to manufacture precision parts based on customer drawings using lathes or milling machines. This involves setting up the machines, monitoring production and making sure quality standards are met.
I also attend college one day a week for off-the-job training, where I learn theoretical and technical skills that support my practical experience on the shop floor.
How do you collaborate with others on tasks or projects?
Teamwork is a key part of our workplace. As an apprentice, I regularly check in with my apprentice master to discuss my tasks and ensure I understand the best approach to completing them. If I need guidance, I reach out to other team members, who are always happy to share their expertise.
I’m sometimes asked to help with tasks like sawing, measuring, or supporting other engineers with their work. This not only helps me develop a wider skill set but also improves my ability to work effectively as part of a team.
What does your lunch break or downtime look like? Do you spend it with colleagues or alone?
We have a dedicated break room where I usually spend my breaks. It’s a great time to relax and catch up others, as we all tend to sit together and chat. It’s a good opportunity to build relationships with the team, share experiences and sometimes even pick up useful tips about work.
Are there specific moments in your day when you focus on learning new skills or techniques?
Learning is a constant part of my apprenticeship, both on and off the job. Every Tuesday, I attend college to work towards my B-Tech qualification, where I gain the theoretical knowledge that supports my practical experience.
When I’m at work, I learn hands-on by working alongside experienced engineers, picking up new techniques as I complete tasks. If I ever have questions or need guidance, there’s always someone available to help.
Turnmill provides opportunities for off-the-job training, such as first aid courses or specialised training like welding, which helps me expand my skill set beyond my main job.
What challenges do you typically encounter during your day?
One of the biggest challenges I face is figuring out the best approach when starting a new job. Every part has different requirements, and I need to decide on the best method to machine it. This includes selecting the right tools, setting up the machine properly, and, if it’s a CNC machine, creating an accurate program.
There are many different ways to complete a job, so it’s important for me to learn and understand all the possible techniques. This helps me understand each task and choose the best approach for the best quality.
How do you usually wrap up your workday? Are there any routines or checklists you follow?
At the end of my shift, I follow a routine to make sure everything is clean, organised, and ready for the next day. I start by cleaning down my machine and workstation, making sure any tooling or measuring equipment I’ve used is returned to its proper place.
Once my workspace is tidy, I remove my PPE, get changed, and wash up before heading home. This routine helps keep a safe working environment.
What’s your favourite part of the day, and why?
I enjoy coming into work each day, and to see what new challenges and tasks I’ll be given. The problem-solving bit of my role is what excites me the most—figuring out the best way to approach a job, setting up machines, and finding answers when things don’t go as planned. Every day is different, and that keeps the work interesting.
