Join Our Team Of Graduate Engineers
engineering /ɛndʒɪˈnɪərɪŋ/
:the action of working artfully to bring something about.
Balcas prides itself on being able to spot, attract and retain talent but even by our standards, last year was a bumper year for being able to offer career development opportunities. 4 of our engineers, all of whom began their journey with us as graduates have found themselves with new job titles to begin the new year. You can read their stories below.
We are now recruiting for two Graduate Engineers for the Enniskillen site. You can apply here: https://balcas.getgotjobs.co.uk/home
Gary Kettyle graduated from UUJ Summer 2015 with a BEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering with DPP. Gary started out as a graduate engineer, working in the Enniskillen Energy plant, progressing to CHP Manager in 2019. Gary has been heavily involved in the operation and maintenance of the Combined Heat and Power plant on the Enniskillen site, working closely with the team to ensure plant availability and productivity.
Gary has recently taken up the role as Energy Plant Manager for the Enniskillen site, taking responsibility for all phases of plant operation including pellet production, electricity generation, maintenance and health, safety and environmental compliance. Of his progression Gary says; “ I have gained valuable experience and knowledge working within the Energy Plant team that will no doubt help with the smooth transition to Energy Plant Manager. Working for Balcas has been challenging and rewarding”.
After finishing his degree Simon Allen successfully completed his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at QUB and is now a Chartered Engineer. Simon has been a senior member of the CAE Technical Team for the last 12 years. This is a perfect platform for progressing into a management role within the CAE Mill. Simon is also the chair of the Log Quality Meeting and the Automation and Robotics group that aims to reduce unit cost of production across the Enniskillen site. As new Assistant CAE Mill Manager, Simon is; “looking forward to working with the current CAE Mill Manager and developing myself as a manager over the next couple of years. This role will be challenging, however my past experiences within the CAE Mill will help me in this development process”.
Jonathan Robinson graduated from UUJ with a BSc in Technology with Design with DPP, joining the Balcas Team in 2015 as a graduate engineer working in the Re-manufacturing department focusing on operations and leading continuous improvement incentives under the mentorship of Jackie Hamilton, then moving on to taking a senior role in 2018 in the Reman management team.
Jonathan was appointed as Secondary Processing Manager, taking responsibility for all sawmill reprocessing operations, continuous improvement, health, safety and environmental compliance, of his promotion he says; “I look forward to working with the various teams of people, enhancing the teamworking ethos and safety culture while making a valuable contribution to the efficient running of our operations and am excited to help play my part in adding to this fantastic local business.”
John Owens joined Balcas as a graduate engineer in 2018 after completing BEng in Mechanical Engineering at QUB, After 3 years under the wing of Jackie Hamilton he has now been promoted to Remanufacturing Manager. John has been heavily involved in driving continuous improvements in process, personnel and machinery in the Reman, and is part of the Robotics and Automation Group and Covid-19 team. John tell us he; “looks forward to this new challenge and hope the Reman team continues to work together to identify and implement improvements to enhance both Health & Safety and productivity.”
By creating and sustaining high quality opportunities in a highly technological, truly renewable industry; Balcas seeks to address the issue of the ‘Brain Drain’. It is vital, both socially and economically to provide futures for our young people.
If you have any queries about our Graduate Engineer positions please email HR@balcas.com or telephone 02866 323003