Olly Wallwork, Engineering Manufacturing Technician

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What I do

I help university students and researchers make and test new materials. We work with all sorts of materials, from metals and ceramics to more complex things like polymers (plastics and resins) and biomaterials (materials which can be implanted into the body).

A big part of my job is teaching the students and scientists how to use 3D printers and electrospinning machines (which help us make things like the mesh on bandages and plasters), and biochambers, which keep cells alive for experiments in the laboratory.

Olly, wearing a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses, using a large machine in the lab.

How I became a technician

For my GCSE options, I chose IT, geography, Cambridge nationals PE and design technology (materials), which involved wood and metal work. Doing practical subjects, as well as fixing my own bike at home, made me realise how much I enjoyed making and mending things.

My GCSEs were a little different as, due to COVID, we were awarded our predicted grades, so I didn’t have exams and finished the year early. I then spent some time working as a gardener and I did a three-month course in engineering at a local college.

How I became a technician

After that, I applied for some apprenticeships and got an electrical engineering apprenticeship at the University of Manchester, working within the Henry Royce Institute.

I loved it because I got to gain real hands-on experience, and earn money, whilst I learnt. I passed my apprenticeship and then they offered me a job!

A typical day in my working life

I usually arrive at 9am. We have a quick meeting to set targets for the day and then check the labs to make sure the experiments that were running overnight are fine.

Then I get everything ready to run my training session for the students, to teach them how to use the machines and run experiments in the lab.

A typical day in my working life

After lunch, I check the research projects, top up stock, queue up 3D prints, and tidy as I go. Throughout the day I help students with any queries and spend the last part of the day doing maintenance on the machines.

I usually finish around 4:30pm, but I stay later if I need to check on an experiment which is still running.

Olly, wearing a lab coat, gloves, and safety glasses, mixing a powder with a brush, in the lab.

What I love about my job

No two days are the same. I like the variety and the chance to work on different things. One day I can be 3D printing something for a The One Show on TV and the next I’m electrospinning something for a scientific research project.

One of my favourite projects was to help Manchester Museum make realistic, safe, touchable replicas of fossilised dinosaur bones so children can handle objects they would never get to touch otherwise. We even made them to the same texture and weight as the real fossils, so their experience was as realistic as possible.

The skills I use most

Teamwork keeps everything moving, because everyone’s role links together. Communication is hugely important, whether I’m supporting researchers, students or other technicians. Resilience is key too – I need to stay positive when experiments fail, as it does happen and is all part of the process.

Problem solving is also important, because it’s part of my job to work out why they’ve failed! And time management is critical too, some experiments must start at an exact minute, or even within a 5-second window, or the results won’t work.

No two days are the same. I like the variety and the chance to work on different things.

Don’t just follow what your mates say. Focus on what suits you and the way you learn.

Apprenticeships can be a great path if you like learning by doing.

A little more about my everyday role

My favourite piece of equipment

The 3D printers. I mostly use them for student classes and research, but sometimes I need to run test prints to check the machines, so I can have some fun with these too. I’ve printed a tiny Black Pearl ship from Pirates of the Caribbean, a Darth Vader mask, Groot, plus animals and Formula One cars. It’s amazing what you can make.

What I like to do in my spare time

I’m big into football. I’ve got a season ticket at Manchester United and I play 5-a-side a couple of times a week. I love downhill mountain biking too and I go skiing in winter. I’m happiest outdoors on a bike ride or a long walk, rather than sat inside.

The advice I’d give to someone younger

Make your own decisions. Don’t just follow what your mates say. Focus on what suits you and the way you learn. Apprenticeships can be a great path if you like learning by doing.