Engineering Careers: Sealed!
Ever wondered who makes those slick food packages that keep your cheese fresh or the durable courier bags that keep your online orders safe?
Meet Akshay – a Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator at Sealed Air in Hamilton. Akshay turned his love for machines and problem-solving into an exciting, hands-on career at this global business!
Subjects like maths, physics, and chemistry can be helpful in his line of work, but the most important thing? A drive to learn and tackle whatever challenge comes your way!
The FutureForce® team visited Akshay in the workshop to find out more…
Akshay Antony
Plastic Extrusion Machine Operator
Akshay has always been interested in engineering, so when an entry-level position at Sealed Air opened up, he was quick to take it.
A Chat with Akshay about his role
Akshay Antony
Masters in Mechatronics Engineering, Undergrad in Mechanical Engineering
How did you get this job?
Once I completed my studies in engineering, I began researching Auckland and Waikato based engineering companies to see what was around. I came across this role at Sealed Air and applied for it and was selected from there.
What do you do?
My typical day involves operating machinery to extrude plastics. At Sealed Air we make mainly make food plastics that are used for packaging products like cheese and milk powders. We also make courier envelopes for NZ Post.
I make sure the machines are running in a smooth manner. If there are any issues it is my job to trouble shoot these and sort it out ASAP! Our machines run 24/7 so anytime the machines stop can waste time and money. The ability to run the machine smoothly is the best option economically.
We do shift work so 12-hour shifts, but I work 5 days a week one week then 2 days the next, so 7 days in a fortnight.
What do you love about your job?
I really enjoy the chance to solve complex problems when there is a technical issue. Being able to rectify these issues keeps the job interesting. Some days the job can be easy, and then other days can be super challenging if things go wrong.
What have you learnt on the job?
I have learnt a lot of skills. When I came out of school, I was quite shy. Working here I have done a leadership course and come out of my shell. This has made me more confident in myself. Teamwork is something you learn at APL, because the processes here are comprised of many parts. You need to be able to collaborate with everyone. Communication is a massive part of manufacturing too, often the messages can get lost in the cracks when people aren’t communicating. A disconnect can cause mistakes which cause more troubles down the track.
Powder coating is a technical manufacturing skill I have learnt while being here at APL. With time you learn how to run lots of different machinery, and these are skills that comes with practice.
What do you like about working at Sealed Air?
I really like my team. We are always willing to help each other out. If you see someone struggling and have some extra time on your hands you are always willing to assist where needed. Management will always be open to providing you with more chances to learn and help you grow your professional and personal skill set.
What have you learnt on the job?
I have taken it upon myself to re-learn a bit about chemistry to better understand the plastics. Along the way I have picked up how to use the different controls of the machines and understanding how to operate these.
In terms of personal skills, I have learnt:
- To work in a team
- How to help those around me
- To feel comfortable asking questions
- How to build professional connections
- To be a reliable employee
- Communication skills
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Brushing up on my chemistry knowledge, learning how polymers behave. I had to learn this by myself. I had to find time to learn this and take time to upskill myself on all the things I was working on.
Where would you like to go with your career?
I would like to lead projects, and eventually be a process engineer or project engineer. I am new to this position though, so I am just wanting to grow my knowledge and upskill myself for the time being.
Akshay’s Career Advice
“Try as many things out as you can, find what is best for you. This might be different to what your friend might be doing, but instead try to work out what is best for you.”
Some advice from Akshay
What subjects do you think are important for this type of work?
There isn’t a particular subject that you need to do but logical reasoning is a good skill to have. Subject wise maths, physics and chemistry are good to take. Maths and physics is key to understanding the mechanics of the machine, and chemistry is useful to understand the make-up of the plastics themselves.
What type of qualities does someone need for this role?
Someone who is aware of what’s happening around them, a willingness to grow and open to learning from those around them. Although you are briefly trained, most of what you learn is on the job. Being keen to learn and understand the “what and why” something is happening is important.
What is something you wish you knew before you started working?
Try as many different things as you can because this will allow you to learn what you do and don’t like and could open the doors to potential career pathways.
What advice would you give someone deciding on their career?
Try to find what you are passionate about and take it slowly. Once you get into a job you might find it’s not for you. Don’t stress though… you have enough time to take a new path. It is always good to try things out early along the way, through internships, work experience etc. This is going to give you skills and experience and the chance to test out the waters.
Advice for machine operator?
If you are in a production workshop, there is a high chance that you will sometimes mess up. Make sure you learn from your mistakes and try to understand where you went wrong. Don’t get overly stressed about this! Sometimes it’s better to slow down and learn. It is also good to plan ahead, and make sure you know each step you will need to complete.
I was someone who would stress out when I messed something up, but others in my team told me to slow down and not stress so much about it. They said, “they have done worse, and it can be fixed!”
Advice for keeping balanced and managing stress at work?
Taking everything slow and plan ahead. You will see things more clearly when you know what you need to do and have an idea of what is needed.
When you are working around a lot of people, you can hear things you don’t like. Don’t take criticism personally. Everyone is under different levels of stress, and some people may even shout at you, but you shouldn’t take this personally. Take everything as constructive criticism. Once you have clocked out for the day leave that day at work.
About Sealed Air
In 1960, Fielding and Chavannes founded Sealed Air Corporation with BUBBLE WRAP® brand as the company’s signature brand.
Sealed Air’s proven history of innovation drives change and sets industry standards. Optimised packaging means fewer resources, minimised product damage, and maximised speed within packing facilities world-wide.
Sealed Air strives to be global leaders in food saftey, security and product protection.
Learn more about Sealed Air
@sealedair.com
Grab a snapshot of Akshay’s Story
