John Warwick

Profile

In my current role as a Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing Technician my primary responsibility is to produce components for research and teaching activities across the University. This is predominantly achieved by subtractive manufacturing techniques which involves programming and operating several different computers numerically controlled milling, turning and wire Electrical Discharge Machining centres.

My role also requires me to use design skills alongside computer aided design software to produce bespoke components and assemblies which contribute to research, teaching and outreach activities.

My undergraduate study was in Bioscience, where I studied a range of biological topics including biomedical science, developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and botany. Prior to graduation I secured employment as a laboratory technician in a university spin out company – Leeds Skin Care. In this role I improved my practical laboratory skills as well as working to ISO17025 standards. Clinical volunteer studies, culture of bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi, primary cell culture, biochemical assays were part of a standard day for me. I advanced to become the lead technician in the tissue culture laboratory where I oversaw the production and testing of a 3D living skin equivalent model which was composed of two cell types in dermal and epidermal layers. The applications of this in vitro model were unique due to the ability to culture microorganisms on the skin surface so that the effects on the skin of different microorganisms and or test compounds could be studied. The analytical testing of the model included microbiological culture, numerous assays including ELISA, histology and immunostaining. The company went through different ownerships and iterations with me being required to set up a new site with laboratories and offices. While becoming less involved technically I developed skills in, creating and implementing quality management systems, operations management, technical support and sales as well as speaking to potential and current investors.

During this time, I realised that I missed the practical aspects of being a technician, but I wanted to explore other avenues. Engineering has always been of interest, but I wasn’t sure of the route in for me. While searching for technical jobs in biology I stumbled across an advert for Mechanical Engineering Apprentices at the university. I applied tentatively not expecting to be given an apprenticeship given my background and age but accepted gleefully when the offer came. Going back to Further Education and college with school leavers at the age of 30 wouldn’t be for everyone but I got through it. Attending Bradford College on day release to gain my Advanced Apprenticeship, followed by HNC and HND qualifications over 6 years. This went along side my job as a technician initially in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering but predominantly in the Mechanical workshop where I gained most of my skills and knowledge from fellow technicians.

Having worked as a technician and with technicians in two fields I knew the value technical staff brought to their roles and institutions. I quickly became involved in the Technicians Network, joining the Working Group. With studies complete and an opening coming up I joined more formally as a Technician Champion. This roles involves supporting the Technicians Network in advocating for and supporting technical staff in a number of areas. I am finding this increasingly important to me, with supporting fair attribution being forefront of my activities in this area.

Another area I am increasingly involved with and driven by is raising awareness of technical careers and development of early career technical staff. I have taken on responsibility for organising the hosting of T Level students during their industry placement within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Students come for work experience for a total of 315 hours during their studies. They are exposed to numerous technical skills and careers during this time and is valuable for not only the student but the university too. I also currently act as a mentor to our degree apprentice who was recruited after his T Level placement with us.

As well as manufacturing components I have also been involved in the design stages of a number of projects. These include the mechanism which the 2024 Ubuntu Carnival Costume was based upon. I was also responsible for taking the design concept of the SpeedBlot device and making a physical device. My involvement included designing for manufacture, producing CAD models and technical drawings and manufacturing some components.

Notable Design Projects

Ubuntu: Engineering Carnival

SpeedBlot: Cryogenic Electron Microscopy sample preparation device.

Responsibilities

• Technicians Commitment - Technicians Champion
• T Level Industry Placement - Programme Lead
• Apprenticeship Mentor

Qualifications

• BSc Bioscience - University of Leeds
• HND Mechanical Engineering
• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety