At Katmex, investing in people is just as important as investing in technology. As a leading UK manufacturer, the company is committed to supporting career development, providing hands-on experience and helping the next generation of skilled engineers build successful careers in manufacturing.
From experienced professionals progressing into leadership roles to young people exploring their first opportunities in engineering, Katmex prides itself on creating an environment where individuals can learn, grow and thrive.
A great example of this commitment is the story of Michael and his son Austin.
From Production Operative to Supervisor: Michael’s Career Journey
Michael first joined Katmex in 2014 as a Production Operative. From day one, he was given the opportunity to learn a wide range of manufacturing processes and machines on the shop floor
Through hard work and dedication, Michael quickly expanded his skills across multiple areas of production. When the opportunity arose to learn machine programming, Katmex supported his development, allowing him to build specialist technical knowledge and progress further through the ranks.
After gaining valuable hands-on experience, Michael stepped into a Team Leader role where he spent six years supporting colleagues and developing his leadership capabilities.
Today Michael works as Supervisor of Secondary Processes, overseeing operations including CNC machines, robots and press brakes. In his role, he manages the day-to-day activities of a team of 36 employees while liaising closely with customers to ensure components are delivered on time and to specification.
Reflecting on his journey, Michael highlights the opportunities available at Katmex:
“Katmex offers career opportunities to the right people… those who are dedicated, hardworking and want to better themselves.”
Michael’s career progression demonstrates how manufacturing careers can grow through continuous learning, practical experience and internal development.
Gaining Industry Experience: Austin’s Introduction to Engineering
While Michael has built a successful career in manufacturing, his son Austin is just starting his own journey into the engineering industry.
After leaving school, Austin wasn’t completely sure which career path to pursue. However welding caught his attention, and he decided to enrol on a college course to develop his skills and explore the trade further.
As part of his studies, Austin completed work experience at Katmex, giving him the opportunity to see how welding and manufacturing skills are applied in a real industrial environment.
The experience allowed him to build on what he had learned at college while gaining valuable insight into working within a professional engineering setting.
Austin chose Katmex for his work experience because he had seen first-hand the career progression his father achieved at the company. Seeing Michael grow from a production operative to a supervisor showed him that a career in manufacturing can provide real opportunities for development and long-term success.
Supporting Manufacturing Careers and the Future Workforce
Stories like Michael and Austin’s reflect Katmex’s commitment to supporting both experienced professionals and the next generation of engineering talent.
By providing training opportunities, career progression pathways and real-world work experience, Katmex continues to play an important role in developing skilled individuals within the UK manufacturing industry.
For those who are motivated, hardworking and eager to learn, a career in manufacturing can offer long-term progression, valuable technical skills and rewarding opportunities.
