Automation Apprenticeships at Noreside Engineering: Victor Murray’s story

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up at Noreside Engineering?

I originally started out doing more traditional industrial site work. A lot of it was basic power distribution on building sites – sockets, lighting, SWA terminations, that kind of thing. When the opportunity came up to move into an automation apprenticeship at Noreside Engineering, it felt like a big step, but also a really exciting one. I knew it was a chance to learn a completely new side of the trade.

What was the biggest change for you moving into automation?

The environment, without a doubt. Going from building sites into a controlled factory setting was a huge shift. Suddenly I was working on complex machines and conveyor systems, wiring control panels with components I’d never seen before, aligning sensors from CAD drawings and working closely with fitters, programmers and welders. It was a completely different way of working and thinking.

How did you feel at the start?

A mix of excitement and nerves. I was delighted to be learning something new and working on more advanced projects, but it was definitely intimidating at the beginning. Seeing a fully wired automation control panel for the first time, or a three-metre-tall robotic arm moving at speed, really puts things into perspective. That said, it also made me want to understand how it all worked and how I could get to that level myself.

What was the learning curve like?

Steep, if I’m honest. At the start, I felt like a fish out of water. I wasn’t familiar with the components in the panels, different sensor types, motors, power supplies, safety relays or VFDs. My own work also wasn’t at the standard required initially, so I spent a lot of time redoing tasks to get them right and to meet the engineers’ specifications. It was challenging, but it was all part of the learning process.

How has Noreside Engineering supported you through that?

The support has been brilliant. Everyone is approachable and willing to help. If you don’t understand something, someone will always take the time to explain it. Looking back, I probably could have asked more questions at the start, but I quickly realised that the team genuinely wants apprentices to learn and improve. That support makes a massive difference.

Where are you at now in your apprenticeship?

I’m at a point now where I’m very comfortable wiring control panels to a high standard and understanding how all the components function together. I’m regularly trusted with my own electrical projects on machines and conveyors, including selecting components and cables myself. I’ve become very proficient in control wiring, which is something I wouldn’t have imagined when I first started.

What do you enjoy most about the apprenticeship programme?

The variety and the level of involvement. You’re not just doing one small task over and over. You get exposure to the full process – from having input at the design stage, to ordering switchgear and components, building and testing machines, and finally installing them on site as part of a production line. It makes the work really rewarding because you see projects through from start to finish.

If you could give advice to someone starting out, what would it be?

Do some research into automation before you start and try to understand how the different components work together. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I learned quickly that everyone at Noreside is there to help, and asking questions only helps you improve faster.

Looking ahead, how do you see your future in automation?

Automation was absolutely the right career choice for me. What was once a very daunting environment is now something I genuinely enjoy every day. I can’t see myself doing anything else. The work is challenging, interesting and constantly evolving, and the apprenticeship at Noreside has played a huge part in getting me to this point.

From Apprentice to Automation Engineer: Victor Murray’s story