Steve Chapman, C.N.C machinist
At Sewtec, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Not only do we want to keep all of our people happy, we also want to offer them the opportunities to progress and expand their expertise within the automation sector.
The latest in our ‘day in a life’ series, we’ve spoken with Steve Chapman, a C.N.C machinist who has been a member of our team for the last 18 years, about what it’s like to work at a bespoke automation company like Sewtec.
Q: Tell us about your typical working day
Steve Chapman (SC): My job is to manufacture on-off and small batch components. I’m given drawings in order of priority, then must decide how to machine each component. After determining the sequence of operations, I programme the C.N.C Machinery Centre and set the tools and datums. After completing the components, I pass them onto inspection.
Q: What made you choose the career in automation?
SC: An automation company such as Sewtec offers the variety of a sub-contract machining company, but the stability of not having to rely on external companies for work.
Q: What would you say the best thing about working at Sewtec is?
SC: From a financial perspective, Sewtec offers a good rate of pay with regular overtime. You’re guaranteed a varied workload day-to-day too.
Q: Name three characteristics you would say are needed to work in automation.
SC: I’d said the three personality traits required to work within the field of automation are having imagination, ingenuity and determination to get the job done.
Q: What’s been your proudest moment, while working at Sewtec?
SC: My proudest moment is overcoming the difficulties faced with making some complicated components and seeing them used on the finished machine.
Q: Do you feel inspired by working as part of an award-winning team?
SC: It’s good feeling to know that everyone at Sewtec is committed to providing our clients with high-end, quality products.
Q: How have you developed your skills whilst working at Sewtec?
SC: During my tenure as a C.N.C machinist, I’ve learnt how to operate and programme a five-axis machine.
Q: What aspirations do you have for your career at Sewtec moving forward?
SC: To have an interesting working day where time goes fast, earn as much money as possible for as long as possible!
Like the sound of working at Sewtec? Visit our careers page and explore our current vacancies to find the perfect role in automation for you.