We are grateful to Yamazaki Mazak for providing JC Metalworks apprentices Frances Miller and Josh Dalton with the opportunity to spend two days at their UK facility.
Dive into the firsthand account of Frances Miller as she recounts her transformative apprenticeship journey at JC Metalworks. In this blog, Frances sheds light on the pivotal role played by her mentor, Steve, who guided her through the intricacies of fabrication engineering and opened doors to a unique learning experience. Join Frances as she narrates the enriching two-day training at Mazak, facilitated by Steve, and explores how this opportunity became a catalyst for broadening her understanding of the industry. It not only complemented her overall apprenticeship experience but also uniquely bridged a crucial gap in her understanding of electrical components.
Stephen Wooldridge is our experienced Account Manager who has a strong passion for mentoring apprentices. He is known for his patience, supportiveness, and willingness to go the extra mile to help his mentees succeed. Steve has a wealth of knowledge and experience that he is always eager to share. He is a valuable asset to JC Metalworks and is making a real difference in the lives of the apprentices he mentors.
In the words of Frances
My name is Frances Miller I am a year 2 Level 3 Btec fabrication engineering apprentice here at JC Metalworks, so far I have completed the Level 2 engineering qualification and am now progressing towards Level 3. I have really enjoyed my time working at JC getting to know all the employees and gaining vast knowledge in all levels of production. In this blog I will discuss a fulfilled gap in my knowledge thanks to JC connections and my mentor Stephen Wooldridge.
Part of my course: Electronic components and Principles
As part of our college course, we are learning about ‘electronic components and principles’. This includes topics such as DC circuit analysis, AC circuit analysis, electromagnetism, diodes, capacitors, and resistors. Two of our assignments focus on diodes, capacitors, and resistors. We are required to understand their functions, purposes, and effects in a circuit. However, as JC Metalworks primarily deals with mechanical engineering, there is a gap in our knowledge. To bridge this gap, my mentor, Stephen Woolridge, who is also the Account Manager of our customer Yamazaki Mazak, arranged for us to spend a couple of days learning the electrical side of engineering at Mazak.
At JC Metalworks, we manufacture custom machine enclosures, doors, and panels that we supply to Mazak for their machinery.
Steve connected us with Andrew Growcott, the apprentice manager. They arranged a two-day visit for Josh and me, which turned out to be an amazing experience. I highly recommend this visit to any aspiring apprentices.
About Yamazaki Mazak
Established in 1919, Yamazaki Mazak stands as a global pioneer in the machine tool industry, renowned for crafting cutting-edge multi-tasking centers, CNC turning centers, machining centers, and laser processing machines.
2-day training at Mazak
The Mazak training was a transformative experience, offering an insight into the world of advanced machine manufacturing. Day one commenced with an overview of health and safety measures, followed by a tour of Mazak’s showroom, showcasing cutting-edge technology and innovation.
On the VTC 530 assembly line, I learned how to wire a Numerical Control Unit (NC Unit), spindle box, and pneumatic motor, and arrange cables for the multi-board. This hands-on experience allowed me to identify different wires and their purposes, along with gaining insights into various electrical components.
Day two saw me and my fellow apprentice, Josh, actively participating in the VTC 800 assembly line, observing engineers rewiring the electrical cabinet. We then moved to the electrical sub-assembly, witnessing the creation and testing of all electrical components, wires, and cables used in building Mazak machines.
A highlight was working with a newly qualified apprentice, gaining practical experience in rewiring and testing CNC Turning machines. This provided a unique opportunity to identify cables we had made, understand electrical components studied in theory, and encounter more complex examples.
Contribution to Understanding Electrical Systems
The Mazak training significantly contributed to enhancing my understanding of electrical systems. Specific outcomes include:
- Identification of Wires: I can now identify different wires within a circuit and understand their specific purposes.
- Knowledge of Electrical Components: A deeper understanding of various electrical components, such as diodes and capacitors, and their roles in a circuit.
- Expanded Knowledge: I’ve gained knowledge about broader electrical components like breakers, GDI cables, solenoids, and switches.
- Safety Features: Insight into the safety features of machines and how they are wired based on their purpose.
- Understanding Cable Features: Awareness of different cable features, including connectors, ILME, crimped, and ferrules.
This practical exposure provided a real-life context for the electrical principles unit, solidifying theoretical concepts through hands-on experience.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Frances’ experience at Mazak:
- Mazak is a well-organised and efficient company with a strong commitment to quality.
- It has a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Mazak is a global leader in the machine tool industry and has a lot to offer young engineers.
The overall experience at Mazak
It was a truly fantastic experience to witness our products being fitted to machines on their production line and knowing that they are being used all over Europe. We were able to compare our production processes and see how they differ slightly to achieve different results suitable for their products. It was impressive to see their employees expertly wiring complex cabinets, testing individual components, and interpreting electrical design drawings. The experience was eye-opening and helped me to understand the start-to-finish process better. I gained valuable first-hand knowledge for my apprenticeship, and it is definitely a goal I aspire to achieve.
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