Felix Rich

I gained my apprenticeship with Proseal UK as a mechanical fitter. During my time at Proseal UK my main responsibilities were manufacturing and reconditioning of automated heat sealing machinery, conveyors and ancillary equipment in the food industry. My job role also included customer site visits for both installation of new machinery or servicing of existing machinery, integration with third party equipment and overseeing production lines.

The main components for building this type of machinery is high precision in alignment of motors, pulleys and belt systems, chain systems, pneumatics, gas delivery systems including high oxygen arrangements and vacuum systems. As well as understanding correct fittings of bearings, torquing of gearboxes and bolts and how to find that information. Another key component would be the ability to read engineering, pneumatic and CAD drawings as well as understanding safe working practices and risk assessments.

After a machine was built I would undergo a vigorous PDI analysis which would involve three stages. The first would include a general check of the machine to assure all leveling was in tolerance, bolts were torqued correctly, rollers and bearings were free running and the machine structure was secured and properly squared. The second stage which was after the machines had been wired would include running checks for example, conveyor belt operation, main crank stroke is at the correct height, transfer arm pickup is correct and sensor checks. Safety checks including guard magnets working correctly meaning the machine operation would be stopped by the breaking of guards, emergency stops working correctly and pneumatic check valves maintaining pressure. The final stage was throughput tests to ensure the machine was capable of maintaining a high standard and performance the machine and company is know for. To do this the machine would be set up to an oval conveyor to test both packs and cycles per minute and test for any errors that may occur during a normal running day. Before machine dispatch all lubrication points would be checked and any mechanical timers set.

During my apprenticeship I spent a lot of time focusing on engineering hand skills and use of engineering equipment this includes: Drilling, tapping, filing, hammering, measuring and marking out. As well as training on pedestal drills, radial arm drill, bandsaws, lathes and pneumatic tappers.

Additionally during my time at Proseal UK I worked as a sales engineer for the company for one year. This included both international and local sales with key account customers and working closely with the projects department. I also spent 6 months of that time working primarily with the service department on site for breakdowns, factory acceptance tests, machine servicing and as an on site engineer to watch production in case of a breakdown.

I spent 1 year solo travelling around the world. This had always been something I had wanted to do but wanted to first make sure I had qualifications and work experience behind me in the engineering field.