CAREERS

I first joined SAM NI (then JW Kane) 35 years ago when I was just 16. I’d decided that school wasn’t for me and wanted to do an apprenticeship instead. I was offered a place in the fabrication department, earning £1 an hour for a 40 hour week and when I got my first pay rise to £45 a week, it felt like a fortune at the time!

Since then, I’ve seen huge changes in the company and in the technology we use. Over the years I’ve built up extensive knowledge of CNC machinery, ranging from setting machines to programming and as the business has grown and developed, so have my skills. The great thing about working here is that you never stop learning.

No matter what department you work in, everyone is united and work well together. As one of the ‘old timers’, I also appreciate that management recognises the knowledge and experience I’ve built up, offering me with the freedom to work on my own initiative.

Since becoming a Cell Leader in 2003, one of the parts of my job I’ve enjoyed most is training new employees. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a young apprentice you’ve mentored grow in confidence and go on to have a successful career of their own.

Looking back, I think the fact I’m still here 35 years later speaks for itself. If you’ve got the right work ethic, I would absolutely recommend working at SAM NI. There will always be opportunities for those willing to work hard and embrace the company spirit, just as I’ve experienced myself.

I joined SAM NI (formerly JW Kane) as an apprentice in 2018 while completing my Bachelor of Engineering degree. I was drawn to SAM NI because I wanted to work with a local engineering company specialising in CNC machinery.

After graduating, I decided to take a different path and moved from manufacturing into maintenance. I now work as a Maintenance Fitter, a role that lets me combine the theory from my degree with the practical skills I developed during my apprenticeship.

What I really value about SAM NI is the work environment. The team is supportive, collaborative and always happy to share knowledge. My maintenance lead has been a brilliant mentor, helping me build on my strengths while also guiding me to develop new skills.

If you’re thinking about a career in manufacturing and enjoy a challenge, I’d highly recommend working for SAM NI. They supported me throughout my studies, helped me discover my career specialism and continue to give me opportunities to learn and progress every day.

I began my journey with SAM NI (formerly JW Kane) as a placement student in 2017, returning in 2019 as a Manufacturing Engineer after completing my Mechanical Engineering degree at Queen’s University Belfast.

My passion for CNC milling and the chance to work in aerospace, creating complex and high-value components, made SAM NI the perfect fit for me. A standout moment in my career so far was supporting the installation of the new MCM line in Portadown, which also gave me the opportunity to spend time at our sister site in Suzhou, China.

Now, as a Lead Manufacturing Engineer, I can honestly say SAM NI is an excellent place to work. It’s a company that offers real opportunities to progress, recognises hard work and provides the flexibility and support you need when life outside of work requires it.