Celebrating Success: Owen’s Apprenticeship Story

Ionoptika is very proud of its skilled and dedicated staff, and the opportunities that we create for young people in STEM. Today we celebrate Owen Miles, who has recently completed his apprenticeship with us.

Owen began his apprenticeship with us in 2021, and has spent time in various departments as part of his qualification. Today we learn more about him and his time with us as a STEM apprentice.

What was your apprenticeship, and when did you start with Ionoptika?

I have just completed my Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship, I started in 2021, so I have been with Ionoptika for almost 4 years now.

Can you tell me about how your apprenticeship worked, what parts were involved and what you did?

It started with a block period of learning and study at College, and then I got to move onto the practical aspects on site at Ionoptika.

I was doing general mechanical engineering, and spent time in various departments such as test, mechanical and electronics. The practical elements of my apprenticeship included preparing and building different systems, cable systems and learning the test procedures on various instruments, among other things. I’ve been quite lucky in this apprenticeship as there’s been so much available to me to learn and try out.

Out of all the skills you’ve learnt, which is your favourite?

My favourite skill that I’ve learnt so far probably has to be interpreting technical drawings. It is very satisfying to begin with a drawing, and work with it, seeing it come to life and watching the parts come together and progress into shape.

Which part was most challenging, and what helped you to overcome the challenge?

The most challenging part for me was the reports for City and Guilds, on various projects and jobs I’d completed. Advice from those around me at Ionoptika, especially those who had also been through this process before really helped me out.

When you look back, which project stands out to you the most?

The most memorable project I’ve been a part of so far at Ionoptika has to be working on the team that built and tested one of our Floating Low Energy Ion Beams (FLIGs). It was a project where I learnt a lot, and it was extremely satisfying to finish the project and get it sent out to our customer.

What inspired you to do an apprenticeship in this field?

I’ve always been enthusiastic about engineering, and have been doing it outside of work for many years now, mostly model engineering, working with railway steam trains. If you’re local to our area you’ve probably passed a train I’ve worked on during a day at the park. It’s definitely my passion and so pursuing engineering as a career was a no-brainer for me!

How did you collaborate with your team at Ionoptika and mentors during your apprenticeship?

My team leaders gave great advice from my project reports, and being able to shadow the pros at Ionoptika really helped, they were really generous with their knowledge and helpful tips of the trade.

What aspect of your apprenticeship are you most proud of?

Completing this apprenticeship is a big achievement for me, and I’m really proud of all I put into it, and how far I’ve come as an engineer since starting this journey. I particularly remembered the sense of pride I had watching the first instrument I’d been involved with pass through testing and head out the door. Knowing I’d had a hand in building something that was going out into the world and that would make a difference to scientific research, that was a really cool feeling.

What would you say to somebody considering an apprenticeship?

It’s good fun! It will prepare you very well for a job in your chosen field, and I think having the opportunity to equip the hands on skills alongside the textbook qualifications is very valuable. You’ll learn things that you’d never have known you were missing, I’d say just go for it!

How does it feel to have this achievement?

There’s a big sense of accomplishment, and a little bit of relief too, that it all went well, I’m mostly just excited for the future now.

This achievement marks the beginning of your career, but what comes next?

I am planning to stay on at Ionoptika as an engineer, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds!

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