Mechanical Fitting Technician
Ben is an Apprentice Mechanical Fitter at Cygnet Texkimp
My job involves assembling machines from scratch, which are used to make things like aeroplane wings and the chassis for sports cars. We go through the whole process of making the machine and sometimes installing it for the customer. The machines we make go all over the world, to Asia, Europe and America, and sometimes I get to travel to install them.
Working in a team is great because you get to learn from others. There are about 20 fitters on the shop floor, and we all work together. One of my closest colleagues is Pete, who knows everything about the job. It’s really helpful to have someone with so much experience to guide you. We also have younger apprentices, so there’s a good mix of ages and skills.
The best part of my job is the satisfaction of seeing a machine come together from a selection of parts. It's amazing to see the finished product and know that it's going to be used to make something important, like aeroplane wings or car tyres, and being able to install it in different countries and seeing new places.
Patience is key in my job because things don't always go as planned, and we have to figure out a solution. Communication is also really important, making sure everyone knows what's happening when, and working together to solve problems. Being precise and careful is also crucial, especially when assembling machines that need to meet safety regulations.
My favourite piece of equipment is the grinder. It's versatile and can be used for different tasks, like cutting and smoothing edges. We have different attachments for it, like a grinding wheel and a flap disc, which makes it really useful for various jobs.
In my spare time, I love playing golf and seeing my friends. I also enjoy hiking and exploring new places. Living near Wales and the Peak District means there are lots of great spots for outdoor adventures. Recently, I went to Love's Church, a big ravine - it was amazing.
My advice to someone younger would be to keep your options open and don't close any doors. It's important to explore different opportunities and find what you enjoy doing.
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