The CPD Certificate in Professional Engineering Programme is tailored for recent graduates to assist them on their transition from university to the working world. It aims to provide delegates with the essential tools to gain the necessary skills needed to get to grips with the professional standards expected of those working in engineering-led teams and organisations. Each of the six live classes/modules, identified in partnership with leading employers, will assist graduates to succeed in their new careers.
We spoke with Simon Dring of DePuy Synthes about his recent experience undertaking the programme.
Tell us about your current role?
My current role is part of a graduate program based in DePuy Synthes, Cork, part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, which I started in September 2020. The program is a 23-month rotational program, completing 3 rotations across almost 2 years. The first rotation is 12 months, followed by a 6-month and lastly a 5-month rotation.
My first rotation was in manufacturing engineering where I worked as a project lead for 12 months. This role largely consisted of the purchase, installation, and validation of new manufacturing equipment. New manufacturing equipment is always required across the site to add capacity at certain process steps for the different products we run. The role consisted mainly of managing the vendor through the build of an asset, looking at capacity modelling and identifying appropriate timelines for the project and when we needed the equipment in production (based on the business need).
I also worked looking at the capacity to ensure that we maximised capacity across the network of companies we have. Along with the site in Cork, Ireland, we have sites that we work with in the United States, China, and the UK. It is always important to look at how we can best utilise the capacity across the 4 sites to maximize our manufacturing capability in the network so that we can produce the right product for our customers, rather than just focusing on a site-specific view.
In October 2021 I started my second rotation, moving to operations as a manufacturing team lead. For the past 6 months I have worked on shift as a team lead, managing a team of 30 associates. My current role involves managing production numbers each day, making sure that shift targets are hit at each process step and managing headcount across my shift. Today is my last day on my second rotation. Starting next week, I am moving to Janssen for 5 months for my final rotation.
The ability to complete the three different rotations is fantastic as it allows one to see the business from multiple different functions. This graduate programme is fantastic because it gives flexibility to each person to experience the business from varied functions. There are 8 people on the graduate program here in DePuy with me. Each person is responsible for arranging their own rotations. They can tailor it to their interests and how they want to shape their career, using the rotations to move across sectors and departments they want to work in to develop connections and understanding.
What were the main takeaways from your participation on the CPD Certificate in Professional Engineering?
A lot of what we did, you inherently know, but it was a good eye opener and refresher of things that are at the back of your mind, but you don’t put into practise as much as you should. The communication side of things helped me. Particularly having been in an operations team lead role for the last 6 months, it was helpful when encountering and working through issues, and managing 30 different personalities. Within the module we did, the trainer went through different tools that you can apply and use day to day. As you get more familiar using them, you can see them making a difference. The programme (as a whole) was a great reminder of information, making you think again as you start working in a professional environment.
How has your learning from the Programme impacted your day-to-day work? Give some examples
Each module had its benefits. For example, the Time Management & Organisational Skills module helped me better use the full functionality of tools we have available such as Outlook. It helped managing my calendar, making sure I didn’t miss things, and using the “to do list function” for certain tasks I don’t want to forget.
The Communication & Presentation Skills module helped me by having those tools laid out clearly, assisting when having a discussion, talking to someone, or resolving challenging situations on the floor.
The Introduction to Project Management module certainly supported me on my first role because I was working as a project lead, so I was actively managing a project when I did that training. I changed my approach and had more structure after the training. It was helpful being made aware of what was most important and understanding how to prioritise tasks effectively, so the right tasks get done first, keeping the project on track.
Some elements from the Innovations in Excel module helped with a lot of what we do in operations and the Technical Report Writing Skills module assisted me while doing validation documents.
What was your favourite Module Component and why?
For me, the module that stood out was the Communication & Presentation Skills one. It made things easier for me coming into a role where I was managing people. Being on top of communications when you are having discussions, looking to be clear, and ensuring people understand what you are asking of them, were the biggest reasons I liked that module.
We started the programme in October 2020, and I had begun working a month and a half prior, so I was a new graduate. I believe it was the right time to start the programme because you don’t have time to develop bad habits, as it could happen if you have been in a role for longer. Having these tools at the beginning, prevents you from developing those bad habits. Instead, you put good practices in place. I was happy that the Company put me on this programme.
What are some of your future career goals?
It is difficult to put an exact target, but having been in operations, I think that is a space I really enjoy working in. I would be open to continuing that in the short to medium term. In the longer term, I am quite ambitious regarding career goals, I try not to focus on a target role but rather assessing my own performance and where I need to gain experience on. There is always a “North Star” or end goal in sight, and I work off that on a more short-term basis. I don’t look at 5 or 6 levels up, but I have a target of 1 or 2 levels above where I am now, looking at the different opportunities I have and at what experience I need to gain to make myself competitive for that next target role.
Right now, going into the last rotation of the programme, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly where I want to end up. I am trying to focus on what I enjoy, what I am good at, what I don’t enjoy, and what I am not as good at, understanding as I go through my career what roles are available and what tasks they involve, also assessing what roles would suit me best. As it is very early in my career, this is the space I am in now. I find that when you are in a role and you start to gain a deeper understanding, you identify potential improvements and changes which require the influence of a higher role to affect change. The focus for the next 12 to 18 months is continuing to learn and apply the skills I have gained during my current graduate program.
For more information on the CPD Certificate in Professional Engineering (NQF Level 9, 5 ECTS), please contact the Programme Coordinator, Marina Tiribelli: