What I do

I work in the paint shop at Toyota looking after the assembly line where robots spray the cars automatically with colour. On a daily basis, I make sure that Toyota’s production lines are running. This might involve fixing robots, changing electrical circuits and generally making sure everything is running smoothly.

Hear more about Jessica's role by watching the video below...

How I became a technician

I went to a JCB Academy - which is run by the council, but JCB sponsor it - their motto is ‘we create business and engineering leaders of the future’. At school I did A-Level Engineering and Maths. I was more interested in the business side of things at first, but then decided I liked engineering and the more hands-on side of things. When I was at JCB we did a bit of electrical work, some programming, some mechanical engineering units and some maintenance - which is what I do now.

After my A-levels I had an unconditional university offer to study Civil Engineering and I was still undecided whether to go when I got an offer from Toyota. I decided to take the full-time apprenticeship job and I am glad I did. I started work aged 18 - the same time a lot of my friends started at university.

A typical day
in my working life

If I'm on a day shift, the first thing that happens is a hand over, when the shift before us will highlight any issues before the line starts at 6 am. I am in the paint shop, so our assembly line has robots that spray the cars automatically so if anything happens with them we go in and fix them. Sometimes the robots might not see the body correctly, so you have to go in and adjust the body and cameras.

Other times there might be a breakdown. That can take anywhere from two minutes to a whole day to fix. We also do preventative maintenance, which could include anything from oiling and greasing things to backing up and re-downloading a software or changing an encoder. It's a really wide range of things.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, especially because of the way you look, dress or your gender.

You can do whatever you want. When I was at school, I was told I was ‘too girlie’ for this type of career. Just ignore what people say and do what you want!

A little more about
my everyday role

What I love most about my job

I get such great job satisfaction as I get to look after the production line that produces thousands of Toyota cars a year. So that might involve fixing robots, changing electrical circuits and ensuring that everything is running smoothly. I also like working on the robots – they are a specialised piece of kit. One of the greatest things about being a technician is that people are relying on you, you make their life easier, and you get to be rewarded in your job by doing that.

The skills I use most

You have to be quick thinking and able to problem solve. For instance, we once changed a gear box on a robot when we only had an hour to do it. It was a big job, yet we did it. I like the creative thinking which is a part of this job. It is challenging and rewarding when you fix something, and the machines are all running. It really is a great feeling.

My favourite piece of equipment

Some of the coolest bits of equipment that we get to work with are PRC Computer Programmes as we get to programme different bits of machinery to do different things. We are constantly learning, and no two days are ever the same.

The best bits about working in a team

I work in a five-strong team. Because we are together so much you really get to know them personally as well as each other’s strengths and weaknesses on the job. If I am called to a breakdown, I know my team will be straight there if I need help. Knowing that you have the support of others is what you need as an apprentice as it helps build your confidence.

The next steps in my career journey

I have a year left of my apprenticeship. After that, I would like to have at least two or three years of experience, in order to build up my knowledge and skill set. I would then like to achieve a Higher National Certificate in Electrical Engineering through Toyota as there are options for further learning and career progression with them.

Find out more about this role

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.

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