In this interview we hear from Kane Murrell, a Senior Technician working within the National High Temperature Surface Engineering Centre (NHTSEC) at Cranfield University to understand his career journey as a technical professional and to learn more about his day-to-day role.
Kane’s work makes research activity carried out within the Royce Materials Coatings for Extreme Environments Technology Platform possible. The platform provides a complete package of expertise on coating systems from conceptual design and manufacture to performance evaluation in extreme environments.
Image: © Cranfield University
Words: Miranda Stockford | Cranfield University
Describe your career journey and current role
I started at Cranfield as a Level 3 Manufacturing Technician Apprentice in 2018, working in nanotechnology on the fabrication of silicon wafers and coatings. During this apprenticeship, I gained more understanding of metrology techniques and the running and maintenance of equipment.
After completing my Level 3 apprenticeship, I started a Level 6 Electrical and Electronic Engineering apprenticeship to further my technical knowledge and abilities through academic learning, practical assessments and on-the-job development. During this time, I was approached by Dr Simon Gray in the NHTSEC, where I had some experience of working previously.
I became Senior Technician within the NHTSEC. This role gives me the responsibility of maintaining, testing and data reporting for the accelerated furnace cycling testing (AFCT) rigs, as well as supporting the department with upkeep of rigs and training of new apprentices.
What inspired you to take this route?
My Grandad was one of the last coach trimmers in the UK, and had a workshop where he worked on the interiors of classic cars. I was always fascinated by the way he worked with his hands, taking things apart and putting them back together again.
When I learnt about an apprenticeship as a career route, I thought combining academic learning with practical application better suited me than continuing in higher education.
I’ve now become an Apprenticeship Ambassador to help inspire the next generation of apprentices to think about the technical routes available to them via careers fairs, open days and presentations. I also support our existing apprentices to make sure they make the most of what’s available to them at Cranfield.
What has been your career highlight?
Comparing the 20-year-old lad who joined back in 2018 with very little technical knowledge to me now – someone with real responsibilities, and who people come to for answers, advice and knowledge really does make me proud.
I was recently nominated for the prestigious Midlands Innovation Papin Prize by my manager. This award celebrates technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research, and so it was a real compliment to be thought of as a player in that field.
I was also asked to be the Technical Representative for the Royce Institute at Cranfield University, which is a great responsibility to make sure the ‘technical voice’ of my colleagues is heard within the wider Royce community, in particular the training they feel is vital for their current roles and future expansion. I feel greatly appreciated by the team asking me to represent them and hope I can meet their expectations!
What does a typical day look like for you?
The saying, “no two days are the same” is certainly true! Every day brings variety and new challenges. I tend to start the day setting up tests and doing project work, but soon something will soon need tweaking or fixing! Generally, I’m preparing samples, conducting calibrations or completing funding applications – it’s really varied!
Sometimes I’ll be on job-based training, like the swagelok training that has been made possible because of the Royce Institute and will enable us to expand on our existing testing capabilities within the facility at Cranfield.
I try to make sure I get to the gym on campus most days, not only to keep physically fit, but also for my mental wellbeing and to keep a positive mindset. With work life being so unpredictable and varied, I really benefit from having some structure in the day.
What are your ambitions for the next 5 or 10 years?
All being well, I’ll complete my Level 6 apprenticeship in 2025, but I want to keep learning. I’m interested in continuing onto a Master’s and perhaps a PhD to continue my academic learning. In terms of work, my aim is to become a Senior Technical Officer in the short term, and on to further roles in the future. I’d love a role that involved the management of apprentices, because I believe I could apply my own experience and knowledge to managing them with encouragement and empathy.
What advice would you give anyone looking to do an apprenticeship?
I’d definitely recommend it as a career route. I’d encourage anyone to look at the different types of engineering out there, see what interests you. Having said that, be open to exploring different paths – the route you start on won’t (and shouldn’t) define what you’ll end up doing.
Look for opportunities that will allow you to learn and build experience, both internal and external to your organisation, and on- and off-the-job. Build a network of supportive colleagues who will believe in you and push you outside of your comfort zone.
Additional Information:
Technician Commitment
Royce is a formal supporter of the Technician Commitment, with an ambition to advocate, support and reinforce the values related to the four core areas: visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability. Royce has established a partner wide Technician Commitment Team to drive and shape activity in support of Royce’s pledge to the commitment.
Find out more about the Technician Commitment
Royce at Cranfield University
Cranfield University is an associate partner of the Henry Royce Institute, leading state-of-the-art research in materials and coatings for extreme environments. The university is host to the Royce Technology Platform Materials Coatings for Extreme Environments and is aligned to the Royce Materials Systems for Demanding Environments (MS4DE) Research Area.
