Q&A with Neida Apprentice, Tom Farmiloe

Q. What were you doing before your apprenticeship?

A. Before my work experience and apprenticeship at Neida, I completed a one-year EAL Level 2 Engineering Course at Newcastle College.

Q. Where did you interest in a career in engineering come from?

A. Whilst in school, I completed a Level 2 practical course which helped me decide that a career in engineering was for me. I saw this apprenticeship opportunity with NSCG as a way to gain more knowledge and experience in the industry.

Q. How did you secure your apprenticeship with Neida?

A. I originally completed one week of work experience in the Quality Department at Neida Head Office in Trentham which was really interested and was the deciding factor in applying for this apprenticeship. I have now enrolled on an EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with a technical support technician pathway.

Q. Typically, what is an average day like for you in the Quality Department?

A. My day generally consists of offering support to the Quality Department. My role is to ensure turned and milled components manufactured by Neida Products Engineering maintain a specific set standard. By selecting manufactured samples and reading detailed drawings, I measure the dimensions to examine the samples are as per the specification.

I will prepare documentation of this inspection process, which includes detailed reports of the equipment used and the results of each dimensional check.

My days vary depending on the different parts that need to be inspected, but the structure of each day stays the same.

Q. What training /qualifications are you hoping to gain to improve your career prospects?

I am currently undertaking a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with a technical support technician pathway at college.

My Course and Training covers:

• Inspecting mechanical products.
• Checking and calibrating mechanical inspection equipment.
• Resolving engineering or manufacturing support problems.
• Implementing quality control systems and procedures in an engineering environment.

I am enrolled on a CNC Programming and CAD course; this will help me better understand how the parts at Neida are manufactured.

Q. What have been the most useful skills you have gained in your apprenticeship so far?

A. Since the start of my apprenticeship in September 2021, within the Quality Department, I have offered support in the inspection of mechanical products, checking and calibrating mechanical inspection equipment, helping to resolve engineering or manufacturing support problems. I even get to support the implementation of quality control systems and procedures. There is a lot to learn, and I am enjoying every minute of it.

Q. What would your advice be to anyone wanting looking at apprenticeships?

Make sure you choose something that you enjoy. I have always had an interest in engineering; therefore, I am finding it makes it easier to learn.

Also, being in the workplace for the first time can be daunting; research and contact local companies who will support work experience prior to enrolment on a course, so you can try before you commit.