Profile
Terry Cummings
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About Me:
Hello I’m Terry and I live and work in Washington. That’s the north east of England and not the District of Columbia. I’m a manufacturing engineer and I’m involved with ensuring the site processes are doing what they are supposed to do and improving them where possible.
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I like to keep fit so I cycle to work, swim a couple of times a week and walk quite a bit. I became a grandad in the spring of 2024 so most of my walking this year has included pushing a pram too.
I love socialising so I’m busy most weekends and I consider my close friends and their families as my own extended family.
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My pronouns are:
He/Him
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My Work:
I lead a small team of engineers who in turn support a number of areas across the site.
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My current areas include hot and cold forming and CNC machining but I have also worked in areas that involve the heat-treatment of steel, chemical cleaning and automatic painting, non-destructive testing and quite a bit of robotic automation. I’m also the apprentice manager for the site and really enjoy the engagement with young learners that this brings.
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Education:
I went to Bishop Harland primary school and then onto Hylton Redhouse comprehensive both of which are in Sunderland.
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Qualifications:
I took my O level maths in year 10 then went onto to do English, Chemistry, Physics and Art in year 11 but the game changer for me was O level Engineering Workshop Theory & Practice and also Engineering Drawing. These seemed more than just subjects to learn, there were a couple of teachers that were excellent and this was my start in the life of an engineer.
As and apprentice I also completed a ONC and HNC in mechanical Engineering.
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Work History:
I’ve only ever worked for one company but I’ve had a number of roles within this business. I started as an apprentice toolmaker and enjoyed every minute of this four year experience making many friends during this period. Once I completed my apprenticeship I was employed as a tool setter working on one of the many production lines. After a few years I applied for a team leader role but essentially continued as a tool setter but with added responsibilities. Since then I have took on various engineering and management responsibilities within the business.
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Current Job:
I’m currently a senior manufacturing engineer leading a small team of engineers but I’m also the apprentice manager.
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Employer:
BAE Systems in Washington Tyne and Wear
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My Interview
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What did you want to be after you left school?
Initially I wanted to join the Navy as an engineer then in year 11 I changed my mind and wanted to get an apprenticeship in engineering.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
It would have to be something in engineering. I like formula one so possibly working in one of the F1 teams.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Freddy Mercury and Queen.
What's your favourite food?
Fish. I like fish chowder, sea food spaghetti, prawns, crab, and any fish really and if caught fresh and cooked right octopus is the best thing you can eat.
Tell us a joke.
Doctor, Doctor I think I need glasses. You certainly do, Sir, this is a fish and chip shop!
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