Sam Elford, Engineering Manufacturing Technician

What I do

I work at RACE, which is part of UKAEA, as a Senior Mechanical Technician in the remote handling team. I help set up and build test areas so robots that work in places too dangerous for people to go in to can be tested safely by us. Sometimes we work with outside organisations who want to test their robots, and other times we support big projects like a large nuclear fusion experiment we are working on at the moment.

Sam using a hand tool to fix a piece of equipment, on a workshop floor, wearing overalls.

How I became a technician

I wasn’t really into sitting in classrooms or writing lots, so university didn’t appeal to me. My mum suggested looking into apprenticeships, and I ended up doing an engineering apprenticeship where I learnt the basics in electrical, mechanics and engineering - everything really. I also did work placements, which helped me decide to go down the mechanical route.

How I became a technician

After finishing my apprenticeship, I worked at the Science and Technology Facilities Council and then moved to a company in Oxford who make super-resolution microscopes. I was building those for a while, and then I saw this job advertised at RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments), and I’ve been here for about three and a half years now.

How I became a technician

I started as a Mechanical Technician and was later promoted to Senior Technician. As well as my apprenticeship, I’ve done loads of technical training on the job, like crane operating, rigging and many safety courses – there's always something new to learn, which keeps it interesting.

A typical day in my
working life

Every day is different. I get in at around 8am, have a catch-up with the team and see what jobs we’ve got scheduled. Some days I’m machining parts - either modifying something or making it from scratch, other days I might be fault-finding, maybe figuring out why a bearing doesn’t sound right or checking if something needs greasing.

A typical day in my
working life

We also do a lot of crane work, lifting big bits of kit into place. One project involved lifting a 7 tonne column! I might be using a forklift, assembling something, or helping an apprentice learn how to use a machine. It really depends on what’s going on that week.

One of the best things is seeing something through from start to finish.

It’s also cool knowing that what we build is used in places where people can’t go.

The skills I use the most

Being good with your hands is a big one – using hand tools, machines like mills and lathes, and being able to read technical drawings. Problem-solving is massive, too. Things don’t usually work the first time, so we’re always figuring out what’s gone wrong and how to fix it.

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

I’ve always liked working with my hands, and this job lets me do that every day. One of the best things is seeing something through from start to finish. Someone will come to us with a problem or a project, and we’ll build the whole thing.

There was one project which had loads of problems and I was tasked to work on it with the designer. We stripped it down, rebuilt it, and made it work exactly how it was supposed to. Succeeding with that project helped me get promoted, it was a big deal for me.

It’s also cool knowing that the stuff we build is used in places where people can’t go, like inside nuclear reactors. We prove that robots can do these jobs safely, without anyone having to go into dangerous areas. That’s pretty exciting.

The best bits about working in a team

There’s six of us in the team, plus a couple of apprentices. It’s a good mix, some of us are younger, and some have been doing this for years. We all help each other and learn from each other.

Everyone’s busy, but that means there’s always something to do and you’re never bored. The apprentices get loads of experience too, it works really well.

My favourite piece of equipment

I really enjoy using the CNC milling machine. We use it to make parts from scratch or to modify existing ones. It’s satisfying seeing a block of metal turn into something useful. I’ve always liked milling and turning, it’s hands-on, and you’ve got to be precise. It’s one of those machines where the more you use it, the better you get. And when something comes out just right, it’s a good feeling.

What I like to do in my spare time

I’m into the usual stuff, football, basketball, and going out with my mates. Recently, we bought a kayak, so we’ve been getting that out when the weather’s nice. It’s a good way to chill out and enjoy the sun.

I’ve always liked being active, and I think that helps with my job too. I’m not someone who can sit still for long, so having hobbies that keep me moving is ideal. Plus, it’s fun to get outside and do something different after a day in the workshop.

My school days

For GCSEs I did graphic design, geography and design and technology. I wasn’t very academic, I preferred doing things with my hands.

I went to a careers open day and heard about apprenticeships and decided to apply to a few places and was selected by one of them. It was the right choice for me.

The advice I'd give someone younger

Put yourself forward. When I started, I was quiet and didn’t speak up much. But if you see something you want to learn or try, just ask. Most people are happy to show you how things work and the more you get involved, the more you learn, which will really help you stand out.