IMI Truflo Marine design and manufacture high integrity valves, pressure-reducing stations and actuators for the naval marine sector and have been successfully doing so for more than 60 years. Ensuring the smooth running of the organisation’s production process is crucial to its ongoing success and reputation as a reliable technology partner. Clearly, its maintenance team play a central role in this ongoing success.

We recently met up with maintenance apprentice Callum Holsey to learn about him and his role in keeping production rolling at IMI Truflo Marine’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Aston, Birmingham.

Callum’s Career at a Glance

• Based in Birmingham
• 4 years working at IMI, started at 16 years old.
• Completed a Level 3 Mechatronics BTEC
• Currently completing a Level 4 BTEC in Health, Safety and Environment.

How do you normally start your working day?

How I start my day changes depending on which shift I’m working. If I’m working an afternoon shift, I like to go to the gym in the morning so that my energy levels are high for my day. I also meal-prep, so I prepare my breakfast the night before and pack my lunch for work. One thing that I do before a shift, without fail, is take a shower – it always sets me up for the day.

What does a typical working day look like for you?           

I work in the maintenance department, so my goal is to ensure that production is running smoothly, meaning all machinery and equipment is up and running during work hours. I’m not involved with the end customer – my end customers are the different teams and employees around me, so I’m always working to keep them safe. Every day can be different as I’m solving people’s problems.

Our motto, “Breakthrough Engineering for a Better World”, really resonates with me when I think about my individual growth. When I started my apprenticeship, I was a fresh-faced 16-year-old. Since then, I’ve learned so many new skills; I’ve achieved a Level 3 BTEC in Mechatronics and soon a Level 4 BTEC in Health, Safety and Environment, with distinctions across the board so far. And yet I still feel like I learn new working methods every day. I enjoy seeking out best practice to ensure that I’m working as efficiently as possible.

Tell us about a particularly interesting day you had at work recently.

Recently, I was awarded the top hazard spot across IMI in the first quarter of 2023. During a monthly PPM (planned and preventative maintenance) check, I spotted damage and bubbling around the seal of a high-pressure pipe. If this was compromised, it could be incredibly dangerous, especially working at such intense pressure. I identified the hazard and fixed the seal myself after reporting it.

Pressure testing is one of the most dangerous but necessary tasks on site. So, I was proud to identify this hazard and stop a potentially serious accident from taking place.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

As I work in maintenance, my job brings me in contact with a lot of people, which I really enjoy. I love being able to communicate with all the departments around the site, and I especially enjoy meeting new starters.

I also get a sense of satisfaction from solving people’s problems. If I spot an issue, I prefer to get it removed or repair it straight away to ensure the safety of everyone on site. This gives me a chance to test the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained both academically and professionally.

What do you find most interesting about working at IMI?

I really enjoy learning about the many new projects that are being developed, and I’m particularly interested in how sustainability-focused projects like IMI VIVO will benefit our world.

I also get a sense of pride working at IMI Truflo Marine specifically, as I know that my work contributes to the security and safety of our country.

What is one thing you wish people knew about apprenticeships?

I wish that more people knew about the opportunities that come through an apprenticeship, as well as how practical they are. IMI has provided me with a lot of training, both internally and externally, which has been invaluable for my career and my knowledge. The experience is absolutely priceless, and you really do have a career set in front of you once you’ve finished.

Tell us something interesting about your location in Aston, UK.

Firstly, the new site for Truflo Marine is named Westwood House, after Westwood Road, which was the location of the old site. We moved locations recently. I was actually very much involved in getting the site fitted out, ensuring that all of the high-level cable trays were in place and supplying the energy sources to those areas.

As well as that, Birmingham was lucky enough to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022, which meant that the British Red Arrows flew over our site – which was amazing to see, let alone in the middle of the workday.

And finally, how do you typically end your day?

At the end of my shift, I do a final check of the shop floor. I then sign off any open jobs I have been working on, I check with my line manager to ensure that the shift handover has been completed, and finally, I say goodbye to all my colleagues – it’s just good manners.