Spotlight on Talent: Cameron Kirkbride

Studied : BTEC Level 3 Engineering

Progression : Engineer, Maloney Metalcraft

Maloney Metalcraft, a specialist design and engineering firm in Aldridge, have employed a talented Trainee Engineer who is also enhancing his skills through a course at Walsall College.

Cameron Kirkbride began his role and the BTEC Level 3 Engineering course last year, after he attended an Open Day.

Having started his A-levels at another sixth form, Cameron was unsure as to whether the academic route into work was for him. So he spoke to advisors at the College during the event, and it turned out they had a vacancy at Maloney Metalcraft for a Trainee Design Engineer.

Established over 170 years ago, Maloney Metalcraft design and create bespoke packaged equipment for petroleum, gas processing, water treatment and power sectors.

After an interview with the company, Cameron was offered a job instead of an apprenticeship, and it was a requirement to study the BTEC Level 3 in Engineering course alongside the role.

“My Manager undertook a job in engineering alongside study when he started he career. He developed a huge range of skills from his course and employment that has helped him in his career. When he interviewed me, he felt this path would help me reach my full potential.”

Cameron’s role involves a lot of design work on CAD software, which is making use of his creative and technical skills.

“I really enjoy doing a lot of drawings on CAD. If someone’s got two jobs to do within the same timeframe and needs support, I will complete the drawing for them. I really enjoy supporting other members of staff, as I’m learning something new every day and there’s still lots to learn.”

As part of his course, Cameron is currently studying two units at his workplace, which is giving him a greater understanding of the engineering industry.

“I began the course studying the electrical side of engineering, and I have now moved onto the instrumentation part of it. There are also units in mechanical engineering project finance and purchasing to be studied.

The course also required Cameron to undertake a placement, which he carried out with Maloney Metalcraft in another department to develop his skills further.

“Working alongside my studies is really helping in developing the skills I need in my role. If I need better understanding of how something is done, I ask the engineers at work. They often do a demonstration, which enables me to see how things work for real.”

Since beginning his job and course, Cameron has now found a career path that he enjoys.

“Regarding my career aims, I know I want to use the same design software I am using now, as I enjoy the design side of the industry.

Maloney Metalcraft is a great company to work for. They really invest in your skills and development, and I’m grateful for this opportunity that has enabled me to find a career that brings me a lot of satisfaction.”

Neil Birt, Process Services Manager at Maloney Metalcraft, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this unique career opportunity to Cameron. He has already proven to be a great asset to our company and is always eager to discuss new engineering principles and methods we present to him. He is a very hard working member of the team.

Looking at the situation from a personal perspective, it feels very rewarding to be able to offer the same type of opportunity that was offered to me when I started my career. I strongly believe that young engineers need to be exposed to the real work environment as early as possible to be able to practically underpin their studies, and become a greater asset to the engineering community as a whole. As Engineering businesses, we should provide our young engineers access to the key skills and experience that will allow them to take their career to any level they wish to pursue.”