Daryl Clayton - Mechanical Engineer Placement

Name: Daryl Clayton
Job Title: Placement Engineer
Recruitment Function: Engineering
Degree Course: BEng Mechanical Engineering
University Attended: Loughborough University
Current Business Unit: Heavy Plate Mill
Location: Scunthorpe
Joined Corus: August 2007

Why did you choose to work for Corus?

I thought that the interview process was successful as it was relaxed and made you feel comfortable. The company also came across very well in the recruitment process at the University. The opportunities at Corus are one of several reasons why I was attracted to Corus. I hope to gain sponsorship in the last year of my University studies.

What does your current role involve?

The first quarter of my placement has seen me settle into the Heavy Plate Mill and familiarise myself with the way tasks are run and goals achieved. My objective status now includes the following -

[-Shell Merit -] I have learnt how the maintenance plan is executed using the appropriate Merit system and how Engineers incorporate this on a daily basis. The system works on a RAM scoring system where jobs are prioritised in order of urgency and from this they are successfully organised into the maintenance plan. I have also learnt how important planning is especially in such an environment as a Mill. Time is very limited so fitting in maintenance into the allocated time slots becomes an integral part of the task.

[-Projects-] I have been actively involved in several projects within the Heavy Plate Mill, which are continuously developing. I have successfully organised a permit system and permit area for the control of working in the Gamma Gauge area. This has meant interacting with several personnel within the company and seen the Permit system implemented and successfully operate in the Stop period.

I have been heavily involved in improving and developing the current specification of chain used with in the plate Mill. This can be seen as improving and developing current systems. I have been seeking an improvement on the current chain specification, fitting automatic lubrication systems and sourcing the correct lubricants. This project is based on improving plant performance and reducing downtime. This project has exposed me to interaction with several technical personnel within the company and brought me into contact with many external companies who could supply and help with the project. I have organised quotes and produced a report to improve the current systems used within the Mill.

I have also been developing a current operation with in the Mill. The current brush gear that rotates and removes scale before the cold rolling process is performing insufficiently and expensively. I have been actively involved in sourcing new and improved brush gear. I have been working from technical drawings, extracting information and sourcing companies who could manufacture an improved brush gear. 

I am still actively involved in several other projects, which I hope to have finished before I go to my new placement.

[-Stop Period Projects-] Without a doubt the busiest time of placement I successfully took care of three projects within the Plate Mill Stop period. I was involved in looking after three projects that were successfully completed in the time scale. This exposed me to decision-making and management skills. I gained lots of confidence as this involved meeting people I never knew and also improved my man management skills. The skills I have developed in this quarter have helped me take on more responsibility and this improve my productivity for the company. I have increased my knowledge of the plant and how to use the resources available. I feel that I have contributed to the team and my work will hopefully lead to an improvement in plant availability and performance. I aim to increase my workload, finish on going projects and learn as much as possible at my next placement.

[-Heavy Shear line-] I have been actively involved working for the Engineers within this area on a day-to-day basis tackling a variation of tasks and issues.

What training have you received since joining Corus?

I have had several opportunities to work hand in hand with several Engineers giving me an insight into how they manage their work. Health and safety is very important at the Scunthorpe works so I have completed a couple of safety inductions. I have also learnt how the shell Merit system works and have successfully used this system.

Please describe development opportunities you have had since joining Corus?

I have a University mentor who helps me gain the relevant knowledge at work to work towards my Chartered status.

What are your future career aspirations?

To have a successful placement and complete my degree at University. Then I will view my options, utilise my knowledge and qualifications to my best of my ability to get a good job