Working towards the future

Olmec is pleased to announce its ongoing commitment to the future of British Engineering with the employment of three new apprentices.

We welcome Nick, Charlie & Jake to Olmec and look forward to supporting them in their progress towards their Level 3 Apprenticeship in Engineering Fitting through HETA.

A Graduate role with Vision

To find out what you can expect from a Graduate Vision Engineer role with Olmec, we questioned 2 of our most recently employed graduates about their experiences….both H & A started their employment with Olmec in March 2022.

What Degree did you graduate before starting a job with Olmec?

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics and Robotics at the University of Hull.

What drew you to the role of Graduate Vision Engineer at Olmec?

The role of a Vision Engineer allows you to be involved for the whole product life cycle. From concept to installation, you are included in making important decisions and completing testing. That covers: aiding the mechanical team in design; using electronics skills to set up cameras, lights and encoders for testing; and software development by writing inspections for products and any machine-specific tasks.

Have you always been interested in electronics/vision engineering?

Just by engineering in general. Finding out how things work has always been of big interest. That was the allure to Robotics as a University course as it included software, mechanical and electronic engineering. Offering a way to gain experience in multiple disciplines and allowing us the freedom and opportunity to discover which of them interested us the most.

Was the job description and information subsequently given at THE interview useful and proved to be an honest assessment of your role now?

Since we joined, the direction of Olmec has evolved and so too has our job role. With the introduction of new technologies, such as Machine Learning, to our workflow, the role is constantly changing. It is important for the company, but also as an individual, to be looking at emerging technologies and other opportunities to stay ahead of the competition.

WHat kind of team collaboration is involved with your work?

Every project is different. On the whole, we try to work together on projects so that we all have an understanding of how things work. Part of our role involves supporting customers with live systems. So, it helps for everyone to have an understanding of each machine. That way, it is relatively straightforward for any of us to pick up support when required. It also means that when someone in another team has a question about a project any of us can normally answer (or at the very least give an educated guess). 

Does the work you do match up to your initial PERCEPTION OF the role of a Vision Engineer?

Since the role of a Vision Engineer is so broad, there are always going to be unexpected challenges. The core of the role, however, is as expected. Largely focusing on getting the best possible images of products to ensure our inspections work as well as possible. 

Is there the opportunity to take your learning further?

We have attended multiple conferences/learning days. Mainly related to Halcon, the software we use to write inspections, and hardware (i.e. cameras, lenses and lights). 

What other roles and projects do you find yourself working on?

I (A) have spent time working on optimising processes within the business. Helping to change the way new inspections get added into Alchemy as well as automating part of the process for getting designs of parts in SolidWorks ready for machining. Most recently, I have been working on software to speed up the process of taking bills of materials from SolidWorks and adding them into our MRP (Material Requirements Planning) software. 

Do you enjoy the hybrid working ethic?

Yes, being able to work from home, especially when writing software, allows for a tranquil work environment. Of course, when working with hardware it is important to be on site. So, the hybrid setup works well. Also, being able to sleep in is a nice extra, when working from home. 

Have you had the opportunity to visit customer sites or conferences etc?

We have been involved in the installation and upkeep of machines on multiple different sites. Mainly in Swindon, Ipswich and Hull. 

How do you feel you have grown and developed personally in the last year?

For me (H) my main growth can be found doing proof of proposal work for future business including 3D laser work, bacteria detection and deep learning work. Deep learning allows the company to easily add more inspections of varying materials and defects.

An Apprenticeship with Olmec-what could it mean for me?

Liam started looking for an apprenticeship opportunity as soon as he left secondary school.  He had chosen to complete an Open Day at HETA where he got some experience in several fields within Engineering. This helped him to realise that his main interest was a career in Electrical Engineering. He applied to complete a course at HETA, completed their entry requirement tests and was accepted. Through HETA he applied for Electrical Apprenticeship placements. One of these was with Olmec. Liam hasn’t looked back since.

We talked to Liam and asked him to tell us about the role of Electrical Apprentice at Olmec and what it has meant for him…

“ Although I got good grades in school, I always preferred ‘hands on’ learning and my trial day at HETA reinforced my Electrical bias.  When the opportunity came up for an interview for an Electrical apprenticeship with Olmec, I researched the work they produce and it really interested me.  I went to talk to them and had a tour around the site.  I had other interviews, but when I was offered the role at Olmec I chose it above others.

It was a good decision.  The 100% support of the whole team and especially my peers has meant that the learning required has been interesting, challenging and well-supported. The influence and willingness of colleagues to share their experience and skills fuelled my appetite for the role. 

I spent my first year learning basic skills at HETA, but the remaining 3 years have been on site at Olmec. As an apprentice in the workplace, I learned how to read electrical drawings, worked on small panel projects and assisted my colleagues, but now I am qualified, I work on my own projects, from initial design, programming, communicating with customers, to installing and commissioning the work.  I regularly visit customer sites, and have travelled within UK, Europe (France and Switzerland) and Internationally (Costa Rica and China).

I enjoy the challenge of the role; the constant need to think of different solutions to the numerous issues arising daily. I think of programming as a puzzle that can be solved in many ways. No two days are the same.

Upon completion of my 4 year Apprenticeship I achieved my HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and MOET Standard level 3 as well as other courses that Olmec supported me to complete which enhanced my role. Olmec then offered me the opportunity of several paths for my future career with them; Vision Engineer, Controls Engineer, Electrical Designer or Panel Builder/Electrician. I hope to go on to complete an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Degree with Olmec’s support.

I can definitely recommend an apprenticeship to a school leaver. You gain educational qualifications as well as hands-on experience. Of course, being paid to do it is a bonus and for me much more appealing than having a student loan debt! My personal experience of working within Olmec has been extremely positive. I am now one of the people that get asked the questions, rather than the one asking them, but there is always something new to learn.”

Find out more about Apprenticeship roles at Olmec here

Internal Investment Fortifies Future Potential

Internal Investment Fortifies Future Potential

Olmec UK Ltd have taken delivery of a new CNC machine from Matsuura; a significant investment to ensure that Olmec is maximising capacity for growth, improving part quality and enhancing productivity.

The Matsuura MX-520 4 pallet 5 axis vertical machining centre, complete with PC4 pallet changer and Hypermill software will increase the current machining capacity and allow for better control of workflow through MRP integration.

Managing Director Robert Pounder said “Systems supplied by Olmec are designed and manufactured in-house, typically including bespoke components, in combination with carefully selected controls and machine vision equipment as well as Olmec’s proprietary software Alchemy.  This investment will not only increase our machining capacity and capabilities but will give us greater  control of quality and lead times allowing us to be more responsive to our customers. It is vital that Olmec is able to offer our global customers UK made inspection and process manufacturing equipment  within the Healthcare, Pharmaceutical and Automotive industries.  This investment is symbolic of our commitment to continuous innovation and development, employing latest technologies  and providing a tangible platform for growth .