Between now and 2024 there will be an estimated 65,000 skilled graduate engineers in the UK looking to develop their skills and move their way up the career ladder. And that’s just the engineers - there is an array of career options in manufacturing. With Scotland’s manufacturing industry going from strength to strength and new industries evolving, today’s talent and that of the future face an abundance of opportunities for skill development and career progression in manufacturing.
This week we caught up with Ryan O Kane who started at CB Technology as a graduate and is now our lead test engineer. He told us about his experience as a graduate at CB Technology and how the CeeD mentoring programme to which CB Technology subscribes set him up with skills he taps into on a daily basis.
How did you first hear about CB Technology and what attracted you to work there?
CB Technology had an opening for a Graduate Test Engineer not long after I finished studying at University. I researched CB Technology’s history and was impressed that they had transformed their key skill set from producing semiconductor probe cards to fully assembled and tested PCBAs. I looked at the business’s ability to change and adapt as an encouraging sign. Coupling that versatility with a substantial growth plan, I had no hesitation in applying with the hope of being part of that growth journey and a contributor within an established electronics manufacturer.
In terms of your personal workplace development, how much of this is owed to the CeeD mentoring programme?
I started the programme with the aim of meeting others in similar positions and gaining insights from leaders across the manufacturing industry, but I actually gained much more. I was introduced to CeeD’s community culture during our monthly meetings where we would be presented with material, get involved in discussions, and take part in interactive challenges. I took many points away which helped me in my role but also developed my approach to certain problems and situations.
How many times did you meet with your mentor and was there anything said in those sessions that really stood out to you? How did you benefit from these conversations?
I had a session with my mentor every month. I would bring a list of talking points to our sessions and my mentor would share his opinion and past experiences to help me develop in my role. We discussed effective tools to help me tackle and work through workplace challenges. What really stood out to me was that whatever I raised in our sessions, my mentor took the time to listen and offer his feedback. Over the course of the program, I felt an improvement in my communication skills and became better equipped to approach and deal with problems.
What would you say to a young person right now who would like to be the next lead test engineer? Should they take part in a mentoring programme?
I would encourage any young engineer to sign up to a mentoring programme if they can to gain the experiences and insights that come from engaging with industry leaders. Ask questions and seek different points of view - this method worked for me to help get the most out of my time on the CeeD mentoring programme.
How has CB Technology’s development programmes enabled you to get to where you are today?
When I started working at CB Technology, I joined a team of experienced engineers. I was able to shadow and learn from them which developed my technical skills and understanding of the electronics manufacturing process.There is a wealth of experience at CB Technology and I have been fortunate to work with and learn from the senior staff and managers across different functions too. This has helped me develop new capabilities such as management, customer facing, planning, decision making and analytical skills.
What do you enjoy most about working at CB Technology?
There is a large variety of products that CB Technology produces, and these all have different technologies associated with them. This variety and all the different tests that need to be performed on each product makes working at CB Technology an interesting and engaging experience.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities right now?
As lead, I am responsible for ensuring that the test engineers are working towards the weekly and monthly production plan and making sure we have the capacity to do so. I chair daily meetings to review the plan and address issues raised. I also report to senior management on a daily basis with test performance data and updates on what’s being progressed through our department. I am keen to develop further as a leader and hope to one day run my own company.
As a member of CeeD - the Centre for Engineering Education and Development -we strongly encourage our peers in the industry to take part in the CeeD mentoring programme. Seeking out opportunities like this to support the development of your employees encourages staff retention, develops future manufacturing leaders and creates a resilient workforce.
It has been encouraging to watch Ryan’s motivation and determination to develop his engineering and leadership skillsets over the years which has led him to the position of lead test engineer.