Kim Decamps, Engineering Manufacturing Technician

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What I do

I work at the JCB heavy products plant, which is a factory making large construction vehicles like excavators (diggers).

I help solve problems on the production line and keep things running smoothly and safely.

That might mean fixing a problem that’s slowing the process down, improving designs or coming up with better ways of doing things. What I do helps the team build excavators more safely and quickly so they’re ready to be sold to customers.

Kim the engineering manufacturing technician, wearing a hi-vis jacket and safety goggles, standing in front of a JCB excavator.

How I became a technician

I’ve always enjoyed understanding how things work. When I was younger, I used to watch F1 racing with my dad and that got me interested in anything with wheels and an engine!

At school, I really liked metalwork and design and technology and was interested in engineering as well, so in Year 10 I moved schools and joined the JCB Academy.

How I became a technician

The JCB Academy is a University Technical College, which is a school for students with an interest in engineering and more practical, technical subjects. It’s where I got my first proper experience of engineering, which I loved.

I did three BTECs in engineering – design, manufacture and principles. I also chose to study sports because I love football too.

How I became a technician

After Year 11, I stayed on at sixth form, where I studied a Level 3 BTEC in engineering and an A-level in product design. Alongside that, I did voluntary work with a karting team, helping with race days and teaching children how to look after their karts.

I knew university wasn’t for me. I couldn’t see myself sitting in a lecture hall all day. I wanted to learn by doing, so an apprenticeship made sense.

How I became a technician

I applied for a few apprenticeships, one of them being at JCB, who were local. I liked what they offered, so it felt like the right fit.

I was pleased to be successful in being offered a Level 4 Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship there. I like that I can learn whilst working and that they give me the opportunity to move around departments and explore different areas of the business.

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A typical day in my working life

I start work at 7:30am and finish at 4:30pm. When I get in, I make a brew and check my emails and messages to see if any issues have come up. If something needs fixing, I’ll look at that first.

Most days involve working on mini projects where something needs changing or improving on the production line.

A typical day in my working life

These projects will involve talking to the people who work on the production line about any issues, designing a solution on the computer (this is often coming up with a new part), creating the parts I’ve designed by 3D printing them, and taking it to the factory floor to be fitted and making sure it solves the problem.

A typical day in my working life

It’s important I spend time working with and talking to the people on the production line, because I need to make sure I’ve understood the problem properly, and then afterwards I take time to show them what I’ve made and check that it works and solves the issue.

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Kim the engineering and manufacturing technician, working on a machine in the JCB factory, wearing a hi-vis vest, gloves, and safety goggles.

What I love about my job

The thing I enjoy most is talking to people at the factory. I like talking through problems and understanding why something isn’t working. It helps me see the bigger picture and how everything connects. It’s nice coming up with a solution and seeing how it helps someone.

I also like that I’m not sat doing the same thing every day – I’m learning on the job, picking up new skills all the time. I enjoy spending time in different departments and like that I can steer my apprenticeship towards the kind of work I enjoy most.

It’s not always been easy – it’s been a steep learning curve coming straight from sixth form and starting work, and the long days and balancing everything have been a challenge – but it feels like I’m slowly finding my way and I’m able to shape my apprenticeship into something that really interests me.

The skills I use most

Problem solving is the biggest skill I use. If something’s not working, I need to figure out why and how to fix it. Communication is really important too – I talk with loads of different people every day, from engineers to factory workers. I have to make sure I understand things properly and explain myself clearly.

I also need to be confident. Sometimes I’m talking to people who’ve been doing the job for 20 years, and I still need to explain my ideas clearly. Listening, being open to learning and having a can-do attitude all really matter in my role.

I like talking through problems and understanding why something isn’t working. It’s nice coming up with a solution and seeing how it helps someone.

It’s a steep learning curve coming straight from sixth form and starting work, but I’m finding my way and able to shape my apprenticeship into something that really interests me.

You don’t have to know everything straight away. If you’re willing to listen, ask questions and give things a go, people will help you.

A little more about my everyday role

The best bits about working in a team

The team I work with is brilliant. There are 17 of us and everyone’s really supportive. Lots of them started on the factory floor and worked their way up, so they’ve got loads of experience. If I ever need help, I feel like I can always ask – even if it sounds like a silly question!

People are always happy to explain things or point me in the right direction – it makes a big difference when you’re new. My manager was an apprentice himself as well, so he understands what it’s like and really encourages me to learn and improve.

My favourite piece of equipment

My favourite thing to use is CAD, which stands for computer-aided design. It’s software that lets you design parts on a computer. Now that I’ve learned how to use it properly, it’s actually really fun. I get to design solutions for real problems, like making a holder to stop wires dragging on the floor.

Sometimes we 3D print the things I design, which means I can hold them in my hands, show them to the team and see if they work. It’s a really cool feeling when something you’ve created becomes part of the process.

What I like to do in my spare time

Outside work, I help out with a youth electric go-karting team. I go along to race days and help the kids with their karts.

I also like gaming. It’s a good way to relax, even if I do get a bit competitive sometimes and end up yelling at the screen! It’s all part of the fun. When I’m not working or volunteering, I’m usually at home recharging after a busy week.

The most exciting thing I’ve achieved so far in my job

I won ‘Kaizen of the Month’ at work for designing a hose and harness holder (kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement). Hoses and wires were trailing on the factory floor and getting damaged, so I came up with a way to keep them tidy and off the ground.

It was great to see something that I’d made solve a problem. I even got a certificate and a voucher for the JCB shop – I’m saving them up to buy a model excavator!

A surprising fact about my job

One of the surprising things about my job is that I get to 3D print parts that I’ve designed. If something breaks or needs improving on the production line, I can come up with a new version, print it and show the team.

But it's not always about designing parts for the factory machines – sometimes it’s tools or holders that help people do their jobs better. It feels really rewarding when something small makes a big difference.

The next steps in my career journey

Right now, I want to keep learning and continue to build my confidence at work. I’m aiming to get more hands-on experience and to spend time in different departments. As I progress through my apprenticeship, I want to build my skills and take on more responsibility.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Be determined and show that you’re eager to learn. You don’t have to know everything straight away. If you’re willing to listen, ask questions and give things a go, people will help you.

When I applied for this job, I didn’t have loads of experience, but I had the right attitude. If you want something and you work hard, people will notice and give you a chance.