Geraint Davies, Port Talbot Technical

I was placed, first, in the Chem. Labs where I worked as part of a production team carrying out the sampling and subsequent analysis of iron, steel and the raw materials. This culminated in my spending a period of 4 months on shifts performing the duties of a Team Member. This gave me invaluable experience of working as part of a team and an opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues.

Shortly after my arrival in the department, I was fortunate enough to become involved with several of the ongoing projects to increase the Chem. Lab support for the BOS Plant’s increased output to 4.7Mt. This involved overseeing the installation of 2 new analytical instruments into Secondary Steel units in the BOS Plant. The commissioning of the analysers and their daily performance monitoring then followed. I gained an insight into the manufacturing process, which gave me a better appreciation of the steelmaking procedure.

Just under a year into my role I was located to the Port Talbot Test House where I saw the other half of the material testing – physical testing of the rolled coil. This led to a further placement in Central Technology Group where I became involved with the trial procedures involved with the development of new or improved products and processes.

I have attended a number of training courses during my employment – ranging from Health & Safety awareness to IT skills development. As part of my Personal Development Plan I have been encouraged to agree, with my line manager, what further training will help my progress within the company. I am currently enrolled on a City & Guilds Hot & Cold Rolling course as well as been granted day release to study a BEng Mechanical Engineering degree scheme at Glamorgan University.

At all stages in my employment I have experienced excellent support from my line managers and have always encountered a willingness to help and impart information from my colleagues. This has certainly helped me to make significant progress in the department and at Corus.