I’D LIKE TO VISIT JAPAN…BUT I WOULDN’T LIKE THE FLIGHT!

In the first of a new series introducing members of the Bowman team, we speak to Project Engineer Owen White about training, CAD and why Japan is top of his list of places to visit.?

First up, tell us about your background and when you started working at Bowman.?

I’ve worked at Bowman since 2013, so over ten years, and I started as an apprentice -? my first title was Machining Apprentice. It was my first full time job and I’ve not looked back since. Before Bowman I had a Saturday job fixing bicycles and I did an engineering course at Abingdon & Witney College, but I can remember being really excited to get a ‘proper’ job.?

One of the main ways in which Bowman supports its people is through continuous, on-the-job training. Tell us about some of the training you’ve done here.

I can count 20 training courses I’ve completed throughout my ten years here, from how to operate individual machines or machining techniques, through to health & safety, quality processes and computer systems.?

It’s a varied list. How to operate the CNC lathe, hardness machine and surface finish machine, alongside first aider training, fire awareness and how to test machine coolant for PH levels, bacteria levels, mould levels and temperature.

How has your role developed in those ten years?

I feel very lucky to work for a company that promotes people based on talent. When I finished my apprenticeship in 2016, I became a machinist and then spent a number of years between inspection and machining in a sort of hybrid role.??

In 2020 I started CAD and drawings, using some of my experience from college. And then in November 2023 I was promoted again to Project Engineer, in a role that also encompasses Machine Shop Supervisor.?

What are the main things you’ve learnt in your time at Bowman??

I think this list would be longer than the training! I’ve had so much exposure to different parts of the business, used so many machines, worked with so many people and on so many projects. In fact, I keep learning new things every week.?

I’ve worked in the machine shop, warehouse, inspection and technical. Aside from all the equipment I’ve learnt how to operate, I’ve reverse engineered parts to get them 3D printed, taking into account tolerances, minimum thicknesses and clearances for this method of manufacturing.

I’ve learnt so much on the job, sometimes just by getting involved and doing it, like how to program a HAAS CNC, or using in-built tutorials on CAD.

It’s clear that you’re passionate about your work. What would you say is your favourite part of the job??

I would have to say it’s the CAD side, especially when I get a complex project or when I get to 3D print a part - I get to design something, then see it printed and working, which is extremely rewarding, especially when it fits together with something else that isn’t printed.?I’ve actually printed something for my car but I’m yet to fit it as I’m scared to cut wires and mess it up!

What’s your next step at Bowman??

I want to build the experience needed to reach Technical Manager, including getting more experience with dealing directly with customers. I’d like to learn more about the mathematics involved in bearing specification too – understanding friction and PV values etc.??

Ok, let’s go off topic to get to know you better. What about outside of work? What are your hobbies??

I’m into cars - whether working on my own, or attending car shows and meetups - and I’m passionate about music. When I’m not attending gigs or festivals, I play African drums including Djembe in a performance group.?

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be??

I’d really like to visit Japan because it’s so progressive in technology, they’re very into cars (I’d like to go to a few tracks out there) and the culture is very different. I wouldn’t like the flight though!

If you could wake up tomorrow with a new talent, what would it be??

Can I say two?! I’ve always wanted to lip-read or possibly learn sign language. And back to cars, I’d love to be able to drift. It’s essentially a skill to get better control of my car – I want to know how to just throw it about without worrying about the damage!

And finally, if money, age or skill didn’t matter, what would you do with your life? Don’t worry – we won’t tell the boss!

I’d probably stay at Bowman part time but I’d make it so my fiancé didn’t have to do as many hours or even so she wouldn’t have to work at all.?It would be great to spend more time together, have more flexibility about what we do and where we go, without her having to worry about her teaching job.?

We’ll be speaking with more members of the team – keep checking our feed for the next focus.?