Stainless Design (SDL) is a market leader and innovator within the sheet metal fabrication industry, servicing a diverse range of industry sectors using all grades of mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
Career opportunities range from running steel laser cutting machines and CNC press brakes through to design and project engineering and specialised welding and fabrication.
SDL’s cutting-edge technology and innovative management systems provides customers with a high-quality total service, whether it be steel laser cutting and folding precision components or providing complete fabricated assemblies.
The FutureForce® Team caught up with CNC Laser Operator Avikash Kumar to find out more…
AVIKASH KUMAR
CNC LASER OPERATOR
Top Career Tip
“Do what you’re most passionate about.”
– Avikash Kumar, CNC Laser Operator
A Chat with Avikash about his role
Avikash Kumar
CNC Laser Operator
Former Hillcrest High School student
How did you get into this role?
I did an electrical pre-trade course at Wintec after I left school. Then I saw an opening in the fabrication side of Stainless Design and applied online. They actually recommended me for the CNC role instead and I started a few months later.
What is a CNC Laser Operator? What do you do on the job?
So it’s basically a giant machine! We take sheets of metal and the machine cuts parts out then it either goes for folding or production where they drill and tap, or even to the fabrication in where they weld it.
One day a week we do maintenance on the machine to make sure everything is working well. There’s quite a lot of planning involved. You have to plan out all your jobs to try and keep the machine running as efficiently as possible. Mainly just making sure everything on the machine is in a condition where it won’t cause problems.
What have you learnt on the job?
I’ve learnt how the machine works and how to operate it, and all the different types of metal we use – I didn’t know anything about it before!
What are some of the challenges you've faced? And how have you overcome that?
It was a challenge being thrown into a different work environment. I didn’t know what to expect. I had to have a positive attitude and be willing to learn.
What are some of the highlights of your job?
It’s rewarding! Sometimes you get bonuses. We do reviews quite frequently so you get lots of feedback on your work.
What do you love about working at Stainless Design?
Everyone is really friendly and it’s really rewarding. There’s a lot of different areas and options so if you want to try something different, you can stay at the same company.
we asked AVIKASH A FEW MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS ROLE…
What are some skills that are important for this kind of work?
Communication is definitely one of them. We work in pairs so it’s good to communicate so the other person knows what to do! You need to be willing to learn and to have a good attitude.
What do you wish you knew when you left school?
You don’t always have to go down a studying pathway. If you’re a hands on person, then try and find a job where you can do something practical.
What are your future career ambitions?
I want to stay where I am for now and see what other areas I can branch off into in this company. I would be interested in folding or maybe an apprenticeship in the fabrication end and get trade qualified.
“You don’t always have to go down a studying pathway. If you’re a hands on person, then try and find a job where you can do something practical..”
– Avikash Kumar, CNC Laser Operator
MORE ABOUT STAINLESS DESIGN…
Services at Stainless Design include:
- Engineering
- Fabrication
- Machining
- Rotary Tube Laser Cutting
- Laser Cutting
- CNC Folding
- Finishing
Stainless Design manufactures using a wide range of metals including Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Galvanised, Zintec and Aluminium. The types of products they design and engineer include: filters & strainers, various sized tanks, food processing machines & components, conveyor frames and equipment, architectural products as well as laser cutting and folding of precision components for most industries.
An opportunity to work with Stainless Design is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, supportive team. It is an opportunity to grow, learn, and excel in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Useful School Subjects
- Metal work
- Engineering
Skills
- Communication
- Willing to learn
- Good attitude
Stainless Design Careers Info
> Stainless Careers
For more information visit
> Stainless Design
Download or read Avikash’s PDF
