Interview with Chris Woolley, Service Technician, UK
– Hello Chris, can you share a little about yourself, and what you do at work?
On 9th September 1974 I started my apprenticeship, at Clown Technical College, in the town where I grew up and still live. I started my apprenticeship straight from school, which meant that I was full-time at technical college for the first year and I then went onto day release in my second year. For my day release I worked for British Steel, and I was trained to become a mould maker, to make big engineering castings.
My apprenticeship lasted almost five years, and I carried on working for British Steel for 25 years in total, until they wound down the business. It was through this apprenticeship, which I started 50 years ago this month, that I learnt a lot of my key skills, which I still use today, both inside and outside of work. We worked on a piece work principal at British Steel, which meant that the faster you worked, the more you got paid. This really trained you to make sure that you planned ahead, always thinking about what is coming next, making sure you have the right parts etc. This was trained into me, and I still work this way now – meaning I always “move fast and deliver”.
I joined Tractel in 2013 and I really enjoy my role here, I always have. I enjoy working autonomously and focusing on responding to customer needs. In my role as a Service Technician, I work with the Production Team to deliver what’s required for the customer. I mainly work on fall arrest equipment, including blocfors and safety equipment. I carry out tests, inspections, repairs, and I make them ready for dispatch.
– What has kept you at Tractel for so long?
I really enjoy my job, we have a really good team here at Tractel UK Ltd, we have a very fair employer. We have fun at work, and we are also given the opportunity to team build and have social events together outside of work, which are always appreciated.
– What is it that you like the most – or the least – about your job?
What I enjoy most about working here is the team we have, as we have good teamwork, the team gets on well and we all pull together. We are always there for each other. Also, the work environment is nice, we make sure the workshop is clean and organized. Also, the location of the workshop is ideal for me and close to home. Also, this year Tractel have supported me in reducing my hours, as I get closer to retirement, which means I get to spend more time at home with my family and wonderful grandchildren, whilst also continuing to do the job I really enjoy.
I honestly can’t think of anything that I don’t enjoy at work!
– If someone is in the beginning of their career, just finishing school and thinking of becoming a service technician, would you recommend? Can they learn everything at work or what would be a suitable background?
I think an apprenticeship is important, it really enables you to get the core knowledge and skills you need to use in a variety of industries, you learn so much across a variety of skills. I try and do the same with my grandson, I like to show him how to do things and teach him core skills and that’s why I think the apprenticeship route is a fantastic way to learn, that will open doors into different industries.
– What makes you proud about what you do?
I like to do a good job; I take pride in my work as our products really contribute to customers’ safety. When a machine is going down to dispatch, I want it to be the best it can, I take great pride in attention to detail. It is easy to do a good job, as much as a bad one, and therefore I like to make sure I always do an excellent job.
– Do you have a life motto?
During my Apprenticeship, 50 years ago, I always remember one of the tutors saying to the class “You can only cut corners when you’re good at your job” and my reply to him was: “If you’re good at your job, why should you have to cut corners?” and that’s what I live by now, always have and always will.