Apprentice project engineer Spencer Garaghty designs systems that ensure wastewater treatment plants serving thousands of homes run effectively.
The HNC engineering and manufacturing learner is taking the lead on projects at manufacturing business Suprafilt while studying at Burnley College.
It’s a win-win situation for both the Rossendale business and Spencer, who is able to make a direct impact alongside his learning.
“It can be a challenge working, going to college and doing assignments, but the responsibility I get as part of my job is fantastic,” he says. “The highlight is when you have a smooth, successful job where you’ve been able to make a difference.”
Spencer joined the business while studying a BTEC Level 3 Diploma at the college and has moved on to the Level 4 HNC, an IoT course.
The business designs, manufactures and installs aeration systems for the wastewater treatment sector as well as businesses where wastewater needs to be dealt with, such as food manufacturers and abattoirs.
Spencer gets a project brief and then designs an aeration system, which is then manufactured on site at Suprafilt before being transported and installed for the customer.
“We’re given time frames, deadlines, budget and a structure of where we start and where we finish and then we come up with a design that takes into account the site access, the time to install and the procurement of parts,” says Spencer. The aeration systems are fitted in tanks, some of which are already in place on the site. In these cases, Spencer will receive a drawing from the customer so the team of project engineers know what they’re working around.
“Sometimes we don’t have all the information we need and then we need to predict certain things, so that alterations can be made on site during installation,” he says. “A lot of this job is about problem-solving and that can be a challenge.”
As part of the HNC, Spencer spends one day a week at Burnley College and completes his assignments in his own time. Disciplines covered by the course include engineering design, further maths, mechanical principles, fluid mechanics and the fundamentals of thermodynamics.
He’s learning technical skills as well as the soft skills needed to work in the manufacturing industry. “A lot of the skills you need for this job are around problem-solving and being organised,” he says. “One thing is making sure you read the contract properly to make sure you have everything right, so attention to detail is really important. I really enjoy the job because every day is different and I’m enjoying working and learning.
“The facilities and teaching at the IoT are good. For example, the college give us the engineering workshop so we could produce a model for our design project.”
Hannah Nolan, director of Suprafilt, said they were pleased with the grounding Spencer was receiving from the IoT. “Spencer is a valued member of the Suprafilt team, making an impact on our projects for clients,” she says. “The technical learning he receives as college really benefits the practical experience he gets with the business, and vice versa, so we’re delighted with the IoT course.”
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