Spend a year in industry at MSM

In this article we ask Francis Warden and Max True about their year in industry at MSM. Both are undergraduate students studying mechanical engineering at the University of the West of England in Bristol.
Francis and Max, can you summarise your year at MSM? What were the highlights?
Over the course of the year we’ve been involved in a wide range of projects and activities across different departments; from procurement, to working through a variety of manufacturing processes as well as packaging and logistical jobs. We gained hands-on experience using SolidWorks and using inspection tools like the FARO arm to scan and measure parts to check for compliance. We have both really gained a great understanding of how the engineering, manufacturing and operational divisions run.
Max’s personal highlight has been designing and laser cutting a manufacturing information plaque for a fuel tank that was originally made here at MSM, affixing it to the tank on site at MSM and then arranging pickup and delivery of the tank to be reunited with its aircraft – an Avro Vulcan – on display at the Woodford Heritage Site.
For Francis it has been working with the engineering team to create manufacturing routes for parts within a substantial Npi project. Another highlight would be designing the stage models for CNC machining complex, inconel “windowframe” attachment flanges.

How valuable was your time at MSM? What did you learn that can assist your further studies or career?
Max comments “My time at MSM has afforded me valuable experience working in a dynamic workplace, surrounded by an incredibly talented and helpful team of engineers. I’ve been able to advance skills using modelling software and learn to create programmes for machines on the shop floor using software that was new to me – experience that I will definitely call upon as I close out my academic career and begin my professional one. Alongside this, I have worked with machine operators on the shop floor, compiling data cards for parts, and gaining an understanding of how the various machines function.
Francis adds “It’s certainly been an invaluable experience; it has not only taught me a variety of technical skills using SolidWorks and TruTops but has also helped me develop my confidence and communication skills working in a professional environment. I will take many of the technical and problem-solving skills I have learnt at MSM with me into my future career as an engineer.

What excites you about the aerospace industry?
Both Max and Francis agree that the high precision and close tolerance required during the manufacture of aerospace parts made the process remarkably interesting and exciting to be a part of. The complexity of the technology and the capability of the engineers and operators at MSM that make this possible is extremely impressive. Both found the high levels of technology required to manufacture the parts and the innovation and research required to support this manufacture intriguing.

Finally, Max what did you most enjoy about working at MSM?
None of the work, projects and learning I have been involved in during this placement would have been possible without such a helpful team of engineers; the work ethic, knowledge, and friendliness on display in the workplace has made the experience incredibly enjoyable and beneficial for me. It has been a privilege to work amongst such a skilled group.
And the same question to you Francis?
I have enjoyed working with various colleagues to complete a range of tasks and projects, particularly Dale Mason on the 5 axis laser, SolidWorks, and TruTops. I have also enjoyed working with industry-level machinery and feel I have gained lots of knowledge and experience through this.

Thank you both, the team at MSM would like to wish Francis and Max the best of luck in their final year at university. Thank you for your hard work and commitment and for being part of the MSM team over the last year.