Dating back to 1910, Ford Aerospace is an award-winning business specialising in the machining and pressing of components and assemblies for high-tech industries. Mark talks to us about his role, and how North East England has helped to shape advanced manufacturing. Here’s his story…
Tell us about Ford Aerospace…
Ford Aerospace is a company which specialises in making parts for trains, planes, helicopters and pretty much everything automotive, around the world. Our origins date back to 1910 when it was founded by Robert Ford. Today we are part of the global SPIROL group and remain committed to the same mission – to keep people moving around the world safely.
What opportunities does Ford Aerospace offer its employees?
There are loads of opportunities! It’s commitment to training is fantastic.
It even has its own Apprenticeship Academy, which offers pre-apprenticeship engineering programmes. We run it in partnership with Gateshead and Tyneside Colleges to help encourage more young people to explore career opportunities in the sector.
I started my career at Ford Aerospace as a Press Operator and I’ve worked my way up the company to where I am now. I had a few different roles before I decided to undertake a modern apprenticeship at the age of 27. I’m really glad that I took the opportunity to do the apprenticeship as it propelled me into my CNC career and to the Team Leader position I now hold. I am also responsible for looking after the next generation of CNC Milling apprentices and helping them to grow.
I think my experience shows that if you put the effort in, you can get something great out of your career!
What is the best thing about working in advanced manufacturing?
The best part for me is seeing where the parts that I make go. Working in manufacturing, you put so much work into what you produce, so it’s fantastic to know that you’ve contributed to something that’s been a major part of helping people. The parts we build now are used every day and across the world! Our parts can help people do their jobs, for instance by helping people who work on oil rigs, or it could help them to enjoy their lives, by enabling them to go on holiday abroad – it’s nice to know that.
Why do you think the manufacturing industry in North East England is a good sector to be part of?
For decades, the North East has had a great reputation in manufacturing. When I was growing up there were a lot of ship building and manufacturing projects going on in the area, and now we’re evolving more into advanced manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing is paving the way for the future of the industry. As the technology moves forward, so do the people who develop it.
At Ford Aerospace, we’ve got a lot of connections in the region and we work with a lot of businesses across the sector. It’s a real community and you can see there is a lot of pride in manufacturing in the North East.
Why should someone from South Tyneside consider a career in advanced manufacturing?
Why not?
I go into colleges now and speak to students about the careers they could have in manufacturing and the benefits of working in the industry. The pay is good and every day is different – it’s definitely better than doing the same job day in and day out!
Manufacturing is also totally different from what you’re taught in school: it’s an exciting industry to be a part of.
Mark is making it. You can too.
Click here for more information on advanced manufacturing careers, the support on offer and the careers events that are coming up!
