As we celebrate Manufacturing Day 2024, it’s vital to recognize the pivotal role manufacturing plays in our economy and society. This year’s theme, “Inspiring the Next Generation of Manufacturers,” invites us to reflect on the future of this essential industry and the young minds that will drive its evolution.
Towards that end, we took a few minutes to catch up with a young machinist here at Concepts NREC named Jake who has been with us for 7 months to get his thoughts on the industry.
Hi Jake, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today. To start off, can you tell me a bit about how you got into the manufacturing field?
Sure! I’ve always had a fascination with how things work, how they were designed, and how they are made. I have always enjoyed hands-on-work and have been pretty good with computers and found that machining combined both of these skills really well. I love the process of turning chunks of metal into tangible products. I started completely green and was pretty good at learning and picking things up fast and it just kind of took off from there. I knew absolutely nothing when I started, but I was moldable and teachable and that is what they wanted.
That’s great to hear! What was it about manufacturing that drew you in the most?
I think it’s the creativity and problem-solving aspect. Every project presents unique challenges, and I love figuring out how to overcome them. It’s satisfying to see a part evolve from a chunk of metal to a finished product that looks great. Plus, there’s something rewarding about building something that people can use and benefit from.
What specifically attracted you to Concepts NREC?
I was impressed by their commitment to innovation, the cool hardware they work on, and the people here. During the interview process, I learned about the collaborative environment out in the shop and how they invest in their employees’ growth. I wanted to be part of a company that not only values high-quality work but also encourages continuous development and learning. And, to me, it seems like they really care about their employees. I feel valued and like I am an important part of the team.
That’s a fantastic environment to be in. How has your experience been so far at Concepts NREC?
It’s been really good! The team is incredibly supportive, and I’ve had the chance to work on a variety of projects. I appreciate the mentorship I’ve received from more experienced colleagues, and I feel like my skills are growing every day. The work is challenging, but it’s also fun and engaging. I particularly enjoy building tools and doing set-ups. I enjoy the camaraderie and the fact that the company really seems to care about their employees. I enjoy learning and they have some great people out there teaching me things and the opportunities for growth seem endless. People are also pretty patient with answering my questions and taking the time to not just get things done, but to invest in my training along the way.
Here at Concepts NREC, we largely have a “high-mix, low-volume” flow of work out in the shop. Does that make the growth curve harder or more challenging?
I like that it is not monotonous or repetitive work. Every job has its own special qualities and requirements. I am not just going in and pushing a button to watch it run and then pushing a button to start the next part while I deburr the last one. I go in and I am busy all day. I am going from building tools, to loading programs, editing programs, and setting up parts in the machines. The set-ups are also often one-of-a-kind and have different nuances. At first, it was intimidating, but now it isn’t. That said, it definitely helps that other people on the floor help out and make you feel comfortable with things. Even if it seems like I am asking a stupid question, people never make me feel like it’s stupid and are there to encourage and support.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day work?
I love working with my hands in general as well as the variety. I am always running unique parts, which keeps things interesting. Plus, I really like the people here. I don’t ever have any issues with them. It is like a home away from home. That’s important because the people you work with can make or break your day no matter how good the job is. The sense of camaraderie among the team makes coming to work enjoyable.
That’s wonderful to hear, Jake. Where do you see yourself in the next few years within the manufacturing field?
I hope to continue developing my technical skills and maybe take on more programming responsibilities. I know I have a long way to go and a lot to learn, but that seems like it would be a fun area to grow in to once I get my skills and knowledge to the next level. There is so much to learn in this field. I’m excited to see where it takes me.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get in to the manufacturing field?
This may be a hard answer to hear for certain shops out there, but my recommendation is to look for an employer that will invest in you and not just have you push a button all day. Fixed-process production manufacturing can make the days long and boring unless they are investing in you in other ways. Find a shop like Concepts NREC where you will learn a lot and where they will invest in you. That growth, development, training, and knowledge will always stay with you. You can use it to get promoted where you are at or take it to the next place in your journey.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Jake. It’s inspiring to hear about your passion for manufacturing and your positive experiences here at Concepts NREC.
Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to talk about it. I’m excited to see what the future holds!
If you or someone you know is interested in exploring a future with Concepts NREC, learn more about career opportunities and our team's commitment to delivering excellent service backed by deep technical knowledge, experience, and customer dedication.
We welcome your questions and comments here, or contact us at info@conceptsnrec.com.