Kettering-based Langham Industrial Controls Ltd is the sole UK manufacturer of hydrant flow meters that incorporate ABB AquaMaster electromagnetic flow-meter technology.

When the company was looking to recruit a new operator for a Doosan Lynx 220 LSYC lathe, purchased earlier following a visit to the MACH 2016 exhibition, the company approached Mills CNC (www.millscnc.co.uk), which had supplied the machine, and its CNC Training Academy for help.

It just so happened that the Academy had just trained Krzysztof Zasadzki — a former chef looking to change careers — who had made a real impression on Academy staff with his enthusiasm and determination.

Following an interview, he was offered the position and started work at Langham Industrial Controls in May this year.

In January this year, Mr Zasadzki undertook a two-day full-time Fanuc milling operator course at the CNC Training Academy, which he paid for himself.

After completing the course he followed it up, in subsequent weeks, by attending and completing: a two-day Fanuc turning operator course; a three-day basic Fanuc milling programmer course; and a three-day basic Fanuc turning programmer course.

CNC Training Academy trainer Darren Clarke said: “We provide a comprehensive range of operator, programmer, maintenance and advanced CNC training courses to Mills CNC customers and to adults who want to brush-up on their CNC skills.

"We also offer these courses to adults who are looking to start a career in engineering and machining. Mr
Zasadzki was clearly determined to change careers and had his heart set on a job in engineering.”

As luck would have it, when Langham Industrial Controls was looking for a setter/operator in April, Mr Zasadzki had just completed his training at the Academy and was looking for a job as a machine operator.

Since starting work for Langham Industrial Controls, Mr Zasadzki has attended Fanuc Manual Guide i courses at the CNC Training Academy.

He said: “It’s amazing how everything just came together at the right time.

"I was looking for a job and Langham Industrial Controls was looking for a setter/operator. Mills CNC and the CNC Training Academy were the conduit that brought us together.”