Teo Phillips

Meet the Team: Teo – Apprentice Electronics Engineer

 

Tell us about your role at EMP Designs.

I'm an Apprentice Electronics Engineer, although because we're a small company, I get involved in lots of different areas of the business. A lot of my time is spent supporting other team members, whether that's helping Kieran in manufacturing and assembly, working on repairs, operating the CNC machines, or more recently learning how to run our Pick and Place production line.

 

How long have you been with EMP Designs?

I've been here for around three years now. I'm just about to complete my Level 3 apprenticeship, which is a general engineering qualification covering a wide range of skills. After that, I'm hoping to progress onto a Level 4 qualification specialising in electronics.

 

What does a typical day look like for you?

The honest answer is that there isn't really a typical day. Most mornings I come into work without knowing exactly what I'll be working on by the end of the day. Things can change very quickly here. We might receive a new order, have an urgent repair come in, or need to manufacture a completely new product. That variety is one of the things I enjoy most about working here.

 

What have you been working on recently?

Recently I've been spending a lot of time working on our dimmer upgrades. The process starts by testing incoming units to make sure they're functioning correctly. From there I strip them down, inspect the electronics, replace components where required, fit our upgraded control boards, carry out extensive testing, and then rebuild the unit ready to be returned to the customer. It's a really satisfying process because you get to see the product transformed from start to finish.

 

What do you enjoy most about that type of work?

I think it provides the perfect balance between predictability and problem-solving. A lot of the process follows a structured workflow, which means you can make steady progress throughout the day. At the same time, every now and then you'll come across a fault or challenge that needs investigating.

 

You've recently started learning Pick and Place. What does that involve?

At the moment I'm supporting Lee while learning how to operate the production line myself. The process starts with applying solder paste to the PCB. The boards then move through the Pick and Place machine, which accurately places all of the electronic components. After that, they pass through a reflow oven where the components are soldered in place before being inspected by our AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) system. The AOI machine checks that components have been fitted correctly and flags any issues such as incorrect orientation or poor solder joints. Learning the entire production process is a really valuable part of my apprenticeship.

 

You're also heavily involved with machining. What does that side of the business look like?

We've got a few different machines including the CNC machine, laser engraving machines, laser cutters, and larger woodworking equipment. What I enjoy most is the optimisation side of things. You might have multiple machines running simultaneously while you're preparing stock, programming the next job, or checking completed parts. When everything is flowing well, it's really satisfying.

 

What are the biggest challenges?

Probably the responsibility. If you're machining a large batch of parts and make a mistake, the consequences can be significant. Whether it's incorrect dimensions, serial numbers, or setup errors, it can have a real impact on production. That responsibility can be a little daunting at times, but it's also part of what helps you develop confidence and attention to detail.

 

What has surprised you most about working at EMP Designs?

How quickly things change. Projects move at a fast pace and there's always something new happening. One day you might be repairing products, the next you're machining parts, and then suddenly you're helping manufacture a completely new design. It definitely keeps things interesting.

 

What makes EMP Designs different from other places you've worked?

EMP Designs is a very nurturing workplace. There's room to learn, make mistakes, and improve. If you're struggling with something, there are always people willing to help and support you. That's probably the biggest difference I've noticed compared to other places I've worked.

 

Is there anything you've worked on that you never expected to be involved with?

Honestly, quite a lot. One of the things that surprised me most about EMP Designs is the variety of projects that come through the door. Even when I'm not directly involved in a project, it's interesting to see some of the unusual and innovative things the company works on. There are always opportunities to learn something new.

 

What skills have you developed since joining EMP Designs?

The biggest one is adaptability. Over the last three years I've worked in manufacturing, assembly, repairs, machining, Pick and Place production, and even helped create content for the company's YouTube channel. Working across so many different areas has helped me develop a broad range of technical and practical skills.

 

How would you describe EMP Designs in three words?

Spontaneous. Innovative. Supportive.

 

How would you describe the company culture?

We've got a great team here. Everyone is easy to get along with and there's a really positive atmosphere throughout the business. Because we're a smaller company, everyone works closely together and there's a genuine sense of teamwork.

 

What kind of people succeed at EMP Designs?

Open-minded and adaptable people. Because we're a small company, there are always opportunities to get involved in different areas of the business. You might join expecting to do one thing, but you'll almost certainly end up learning several different skills along the way. If you're willing to learn, work hard, and embrace new challenges, you'll do well here.

 

Finally, what keeps you motivated?

The variety. There are very few mundane days at EMP Designs. Every week brings something different, whether that's manufacturing products, learning new equipment, solving problems, or working on completely new projects. There's always something new to learn, and that's what keeps the job interesting.