There are four apprentice cutting machine operators in Tom's year. All are roughly the same age and get along well. According to Tom, this certainly contributes to a relaxed working environment. He also respects the encouraging and demanding management style he's come to know at WTE. "Here, I can work freely and I'm treated with a lot of trust. In production, we're assigned a specialist member of staff who trains us on the machines and helps us when we need him." However, Tom prefers to solve the challenges he faces by applying the things he's learned. "I'm proud when I can set up a machine by myself, so that the order works". That's how he notices his training is paying off.

What does he think are must-haves for applicants who want to succeed as a cutting machine operator? "Good knowledge of maths and physics and an interest in working with precision", reckons Tom. As for him, he plans to spend a few years gaining professional experience first before considering further training to become a CNC programmer. One day, he'd like to be in a position to take on more responsibility and manage others. However, first of all, his next goal is his trade examination which he'll soon complete on the three-axis milling machine.