Determined budding engineer shines at Inca Geometric

But it was his own determination that won him the opportunity to demonstrate his ability at the firm. "It must be in my genes," said Daniel. "My grandfather was a toolmaker and my father is a mechanic so, from an early age, engineering has always been around me." And even during some evenings and weekends he can be found spending much of his time as a volunteer Junior Member of the local Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway. At school, Daniel was able to do limited metalwork and when he wanted to take the subject further, he was told by his careers advisor that the school could not help. Deflated, he left school at 16 and enrolled on a two-year course at Canterbury College - one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the South East - and applied to Inca for work experience. Explains Inca director Ann Cain: "He wrote an impressive letter and asked for an apprenticeship, but he was too young, so we suggested he completed his course then contact us again in a year. On the dot, another letter arrived and from the interview his determination shone. He had even worked at fruit picking and did odd jobs so he could buy a car to travel the 10 miles from his home to our factory." Tony Clifford, works manager, adds: "When he joined us Daniel was certainly mechanically minded. He had already picked up a good basic knowledge of manual turning and milling at college plus some experience of fitting at the railway. It also brings a smile to my face to see him talking about a job with his 'shadow setter' and especially when I see him 'milking' the nearby jig borer operator of his special skills developed over so many years." Now, working in the shadow of one of Inca's machine setters, Daniel is already proving his ability and, he says, really enjoying the pride of achievement when a finished part receives the stamp of approval. "Daniel has a natural talent but, more important to us is, he is interested in all aspects of engineering," Mr Clifford underlines. "He is exceptionally keen to learn, question when he doesn't understand and absorb detail on the finer points of manufacturing." Daniel's Quaser VMC has a Heidenhain control, which, even in such a short period, has proven to be a great aid in developing his milling knowledge. "It may have been a bit daunting at first," he said, "but the other machinists are only too pleased to talk me through how to approach a job and help to check what I'm doing and explain if I have a problem. In fact, what has surprised me is that everyone I have been involved with, both inside Inca and outside, seem so willing to pass on their engineering knowledge." Adds Mr Clifford: "I think the wide variety of work that goes through our machine shop has really captivated his interest and, as far as we are concerned, if he wants to do or try something new we encourage him." As part of the apprenticeship Daniel is on day release at K. College in Ashford. He has even requested and is going to work over part of the Christmas holiday period with the Inca engineering team to help strip out and refurbish an automation project in an automotive plant. Mr Clifford again: "This will give him an ideal opportunity to not only learn more fitting skills but, more important, also understand the importance of critical health and safety issues, as well as how to work as part of a team against a deadline." Inca Geometric currently has two apprentices under training as machinists in order to develop its in-house skills. "It's such a pity that more youngsters at school are not encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities and develop a skill that is so much in demand and that can be so rewarding," concludes Mr Clifford.