Profile of a KYOCERA AVX Mechanical Technician

In the world of manufacturing and engineering, mechanical technicians play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of machinery and equipment. Ryan King-Magee, a mechanical technician at KYOCERA AVX, is a shining example of someone who found their true passion in a hands-on job.

With a deep love for problem-solving and a keen interest in technology, Ryan pursued a career path that allowed him to combine these passions. 

Profile of a KYOCERA AVX Mechanical Technician 

Name: Ryan King-Magee

•  What was your favourite subject at school?

Maths and Technology, I loved the problem-solving aspect of both subjects and the hands-on side of technology.

•  Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?

After completing my A levels I decided to go down the apprenticeship route and through the apprenticeship I completed my level 3 BTEC in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, upon completion of this I then completed my foundation degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering at Farmlodge college in Ballymena.

•  Is this what you always wanted to do?

I’ve always wanted to do a hands-on type of job so my current job suits me perfectly, I also love the aspect of everyday being different you don’t know what machine you could be fixing from one day to the next.

•  Were there any essential qualifications or experience needed?

To become a mechanical technician apprentice the minimum requirement was 5 GCSEs including maths and English, I had previous work experience for a week in school doing mechanical engineering and used this as my experience 

•  Are there alternative routes into the job?

The way I came into the role of a fully qualified mechanical technician would be the alternative route doing the apprenticeship as opposed to going to university and getting a degree that way.

•  What are the main personal skills your job requires?

Some of the main personal skills required in the technician role are being able to problem solve, work independently and using your initiative to get past problems. I find the most important personal skill is working as part of a team - on the shift there are 3 mechanical technicians in total along with 2 electrical technicians and we like to help one another out to solve problems and get the job done.

•  What does a typical day entail?

A typical day entails responding to machine breakdowns and performing preventative maintenance on a vast variety of machines around the factory.

•  What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?

The best and most challenging aspects of the job are always having to think and constantly problem solve to get the solution on the breakdown or fault occurring within the machine. It could be something as simple as replacing a noisy bearing to replacing an oil pump. Everyday you are faced with a different aspect of the job.

•  Why is what you do important?

What I do is important because if there was no one to fix the breakdowns on the machines it would lead to a loss of production time and result in a backlog of orders as machines would be lying down for a while. Also it is important that I carry out the preventative maintenance side of the job to prevent any possible machine failures down the line.

•  What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?

My advice would be that I think the apprenticeship route is the way to go in terms of getting good qualifications and a good job at the end of the apprenticeship. You get on the job learning whereas going down the university route you don’t get much hands on experience and also end up with a lot of student debt at the end.

•  If you weren’t doing this job what would you like to do?

If I wasn’t doing this job I would still have liked to have a role in engineering as a computer aided design technician as I havesolv always loved CAD the whole way through school and during my qualifications.

•  What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?

One piece of advice I would give on your first day is to come in open minded and don’t be nervous and afraid to get in and get hands on.

•  Describe your ideal day off.

My ideal day off consists of getting up nice and early and heading to the gym to get my training out of the way then I like to watch tv and just chill, later on in the day I like to walk my dog and get some fresh air.

•  And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?

The key to any successful job search is to be open minded in what you are looking for, don’t always go for the job that you think is completely tailored to what you want to do. Mix it up for example if you want to be an electrician why not look at an electrical technician role or if you want to become a mechanical engineer why not look at a mechanical technician role.