Profile
Joshua Schofield
Curriculum Vitae
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Education:
Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 2009-2015, Kingston College (apprenticeship training provider) 2016-2020
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Qualifications:
12 GCSE’s A*-B, A Level Maths and Physics, Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, working towards Advanced Apprenticeship in Instrumentation
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Work History:
Other than a couple weekend jobs, my apprenticeship is my first full time job!
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Current Job:
As an engineering apprentice I work in different roles both in scientific labs and engineering workshops.
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Employer:
I work for the National Physical Laboratory – based in Teddington, London. We are the UK’s National Metrology Institute, responsible for developing and maintaining the nation’s primary standards (to name a few: the metre, the second, the kilogram). We also carry out world-leading research into a huge range of areas for example cancer research, quantum measurement, materials science and climate change.
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About Me
An instrumentation engineering apprentice with the National Physical Laboratory.
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I live with another apprentice in Surbiton, SW London and cycle for my commute.
I’m a huge sports fan and I always enjoy getting involved and active in just about anything, cricket, motorsport, badminton, table tennis, even roller-skiing. You name it I’ll give it a go.
A regular enjoyer of pizza, garlic bread and nuggets.
Get up to lots of random things at home, I’ve actually 3D printed a set of cutlery with my own 3D printer!
Love getting out and keeping busy!
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My Work
I help design and make instruments used by scientists to take precision measurements of the world around us.
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As an engineering apprentice at NPL I’m lucky enough to work in a range of roles over my apprenticeship. From July 17 – Jan 18 I was working in labs with scientists, helping build systems for research. Some of the highlights of mine included: working with lasers, helping assemble equipment for the European Space Agency and designing a robot for Robot Wars!
I am more involved with the manufacture of components, working in an engineering workshop as a manual machinist. This requires a lot of problem-solving and forward thinking as well as adaptability as in one day I can go from machining aluminium to steel to ceramics, whilst having to keep accuracy to 0.01mm (the thickness of a human hair).
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My Typical Day: At the moment, messy, challenging but a lot of fun!
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I do have quite an early start, I’m usually up by 7.15am to cycle into work for 8am. Then when I arrive, tie up my safety boots and throw on my lab coat, I’ll study the engineering drawing I’m given for the component I have to make. This can vary hugely from the part material to the machine, and the how long it’ll take so every day really is different!
Thankfully time is not a factor I usually have to compete against to get parts made, as the accuracy and quality of work mostly takes importance.
You’ll usually find me close very close to either a lathe or milling machine, making a mess with lubricant and flying metal.
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What I'd do with the money
If I was lucky enough to win, I'd use the prize money to go towards my Engineering Apprentice Robot Wars Project!
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As an apprentice, I am involved in a lot outreach and engagement with local schools and communities bringing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) to the public and raise the awareness and benefits of apprenticeships.
The aim of taking part in Robot Wars is to raise awareness of STEM/apprenticeships through entering the program. As well as this I will be attending many outreach/ public engagement events to demonstrate to the public the fun side of engineering and hopefully encourage others to get involved!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Jokey, passionate, yes-man
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
My career hasn't been very long, so I haven't had as much time in the industry as other people! My favourite thing I've done as an engineer so far would have to be working on the invention of a brand new piece of equipment which is designed to take accurate measurements of greenhouse gases in our environment. This will help the government pinpoint locations which are producing excessive harmful emissions and provide data to help act towards planning a sustainable future.
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
During a lot of my time in school, through my involvement with STEM various competitions, I was lucky enough get a lot of insight into the world of Formula 1. So seeing some of tech being used in those machines and watching them race was a real inspiration. The Bloodhound SSC, the UK's 1000 mph car attempt, has also been a big influence on my career towards engineering.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Would have to be DT!
What did you want to be after you left school?
For a long time I wanted to work as an F1 mechanic.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Not really thankfully.. But I was always quite late with homework as I found extra-curricular projects more fun..
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I'm such a huge sports fan in general, its not too late of course...,but its always been a dream of mine to be an Olympian one day.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Coldplay
What's your favourite food?
Pizza Express dough balls!
Tell us a joke.
If you can bodge with precision you will be an amazing engineer one day.
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