Employee spotlight - Meet Jamie Reading

In this Employee Spotlight, we're talking to Technical Lead - Production, Jamie Reading, to find out about what led to his career at Alcon.

When did you join Alcon?

I joined Alcon on the 18th August 2008.

Do you have any qualifications and what route did you take towards the career you have today?

The main qualifications I hold are City & Guilds Level 3's in Mechanical Engineering and also Electrical Installation and Testing. I was originally interested in getting into engineering as I have always been good with practical applications and I've always had a passion for most things with an engine. This interest led to my first car engine re-build at 14 years old, before I could drive.?I then went to college after leaving school to what I thought was a car mechanics course, but turned out to be engineering; Machining Welding and Fabrication. I ended up loving it and never looked back.

What does a typical day involve??

A typical day for me begins with reviewing the accomplishments of the previous shifts to determine the tasks for the upcoming shift. I then prioritise these tasks and assign them to the incoming team. After that, I catch up on administrative duties from the night before. I also address any issues reported by the earlier shifts, coordinating with other teams like Production Engineering if necessary. Additionally, I assign work and provide training to any apprentices with me for the day, making each day quite varied.

What do you like most about your role at Alcon?

There are many aspects of my role that I love. I particularly enjoy being the link between all three shifts, addressing issues and problems as they arise, and being the ‘go-to person’ on the disc cell for both the shop floor and office teams. I appreciate that my team trusts me not only with work-related queries but also with personal advice. Alcon is more than just a job to me, which is why I’ve been here for so long.

What are some achievements you’re proud of both within work and personal success?

I take pride in helping new team and apprentices develop their skills and expand their knowledge, sharing the insights I’ve gained over the years.

On a personal level, becoming a snowboard instructor when I was younger was a significant accomplishment, as it required mastering the necessary skills to a high level of competence. Additionally, during my high school years, I excelled as a long-distance runner, which led to both my twin brother and I being selected to run for Tamworth for a period of time.

What's the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career?

I would tell anyone not to be afraid of pursuing their dreams, no matter how big they are. Embrace the journey with confidence and determination. Don’t fear failure, as it teaches us our most valuable lessons. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who encourage you. Negative individuals will only hold you back, so it’s best to focus on those who believe in you and your aspirations.

For more information on careers at Alcon please visit: https://www.alcon.co.uk/alcon-careers/

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