Over the last twelve months the staff intake at Innovative Technology has increased significantly. At the end of June, three recent University Graduates joined the company and over the next twelve months we will follow Michael Tillson, Jean Gilbert Nzeye and Mia Harding through their first year here at Innovative Technology.

Mia gained a 2:1 in Marketing at the Leeds Business School, a part of Leeds Metropolitan University and has filled the role of Graduate Marketing Assistant.

During a break from writing my dissertation, I decided to explore the jobs market and came across the ITL advert on a careers website. I found the job specification interesting so decided to send off my CV and hope for the best.

Upon the completion of my degree in May I celebrated with a holiday and no sooner had I arrived in Venice, I received a phone call inviting me to a graduate assessment day, just three days after my return. As soon as I arrived home I had to create a presentation and prepare for the assessment day. As it turned out, ITL is only ten minutes away from my house so I arrived early for the interview. Everything went well on the day; my presentation ran smoothly, my interviews flowed nicely and I was able to confidently answer all questions posed.

I was ecstatic to have been offered the job as through previous experience of finding a placement, I understand how difficult it is in this current economic climate. My first three weeks entailed thorough inductions spending time within all areas of the business gaining a good understanding of the products we offer and also the business itself – perfect when trying to market both!

All of my new colleagues have made me feel very welcome, making it easy to settle in to life at ITL. I am really enthusiastic towards my future here, grasping every opportunity to progress my career within a fast paced, ever expanding organisation.

Over the coming twelve months I aim to give you a real insight into the ITL world, my international colleagues and working life.

Mia Harding, Graduate Marketing Assistant

Jean Gilbert completed his BEng (Hons) degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering in 2006 with a 2:1 at the University of Bradford and more recently, his master’s degree at the University of Bolton.

After the completion of my MSc I decided it was time for a new challenge and began to search online for electronics engineering jobs in the North West and I came across an ITL advert for a Graduate Electronics Design Engineer. As I had been working for a couple of years I wasn’t sure if I could be considered, however, as I have recently completed my MSc it was decided that I was fresh out of education and could therefore continue with my application.

I was invited to attend a graduate assessment centre at ITL. The half day assessment involved a presentation, an electronics test and two face to face interviews. The event was well organised and the interviewers were very friendly and direct in their questioning. I was very happy to be offered the job.

During my first week, after a short induction, I was introduced to my project team consisting of Software Engineers, Mechanical Design Engineers and a fellow Electronics Design Engineer. I was put straight to work contributing to the team’s current project, producing the next generation NV9 banknote validator.

Over the next twelve months I will aim to provide you with an insight into the diverse multi-disciplined teams here at ITL and how working together allows us to produce highly innovative products for our customers.

Jean Gilbert Nzeye, Graduate Electronics Design Engineer

Michael gained a first class honours degree in BEng Energy Engineering and has taken on the role of Graduate Design Engineer. He initially met ITL at a careers fair in Sheffield prior to applying for his position.

I was offered the job over the phone on the way to one of my final exams which gave me a real confidence boost and something to look forward to upon completion of my studies.

My first few weeks at ITL have allowed me to get up to speed with the CAD (Computer Aided Design) package used in the development department and to design a few small parts intended for production. A well-equipped workshop and on-site rapid prototyping facilities make the construction of prototypes very easy and the development of solution parts very fluid.

During my first month at ITL I was assigned multiple tasks that required both application and acquisition of knowledge and skills. While I am still learning plenty on my own, I am gaining far more from my new colleagues who provide a much more practical understanding than University offered.

I am looking forward to starting my first major project, gaining practical knowledge of mechanical design and over the next twelve months I will keep you up to date with the projects I am working on as I try to put the theory I learnt at University into practice.

Michael Tillson, Graduate Design Engineer

Mia, Jean Gilbert and Michael will be updating the blog every quarter through their first year as Graduates at Innovative Technology. Check back in December for the next installment.