Fitter and Turner Profile- Emlyn Olivier- Live Your Passion S2 Ep 15

Summary

This video follows Emlyn, a talented fitter and turner employed by a diamond mining company in Namibia. Initially unsure about his career, Emlyn's technical skills and passion led him to pursue a trade, becoming a highly skilled artisan. Guided by mentors, he learned to maintain and repair complex machinery, becoming an asset to his team. Emlyn's story highlights the value of trades, hard work, and determination in achieving success, showing that with passion and dedication, anyone can thrive in their chosen path.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emlyn Wolfie, a skilled fitter and turner, is employed by a diamond mining company and shares his inspiring story of pursuing his passion for the trade.
• 😀 Emlyn grew up in a small town and never had a clear career path but was guided by his mother and uncle toward a career as an artisan.
• 😀 Although Emlyn initially struggled with academic schooling, he excelled in rugby and was more interested in hands-on work.
• 😀 With his mother's encouragement and his uncle's help, Emlyn applied to the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT) and pursued fitting training.
• 😀 Emlyn faced challenges during his training at NIMT, but he pushed through, eventually becoming a qualified fitter despite personal struggles, such as becoming a father during his studies.
• 😀 After completing his training, Emlyn joined Namdeb, a major diamond mining company, where he received mentorship from experienced artisans and learned valuable skills.
• 😀 Emlyn's work involves maintaining and repairing machinery, often in noisy, risky, and physically demanding environments, which requires both technical knowledge and hands-on expertise.
• 😀 Emlyn emphasizes the importance of teamwork, quality work, and learning from colleagues with more experience, who often taught him shortcuts and practical skills not found in textbooks.
• 😀 Emlyn finds joy in his work and his colleagues appreciate his dedication, humility, and humor, which makes him a valuable part of the team.
• 😀 Outside of work, Emlyn enjoys supporting his local rugby team, spending time with his family, and unwinding with his wife and son.
• 😀 Emlyn's story highlights the value of skilled trades, showing that success comes from hard work, dedication, and the belief that you can achieve your dreams, regardless of your background.

Q & A

What is the main responsibility of a fitter and turner?

A fitter and turner is responsible for maintaining and repairing machinery, using machining tools to cut, thread, bend hydraulic and pneumatic parts, and assembling and fitting parts of machines. They also perform fault diagnosis, operational maintenance, and overhaul mechanical parts.

How did Emlyn’s career path develop after completing grade 12?

After completing grade 12, Emlyn was uncertain about his career path. His mother, a medical doctor, recognized his technical aptitude and helped him apply to the Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology, where he trained to become a fitter and turner.

What role did Emlyn’s family play in his career choice?

Emlyn's mother and uncle played key roles in guiding him towards a career as a fitter and turner. His mother recognized his technical skills, and his uncle, a boilermaker, encouraged Emlyn to apply for an artisan position after seeing an advertisement for artisans.

What challenges did Emlyn face while training at Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology?

Training at Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology was an eye-opener for Emlyn and presented challenges, including balancing his studies with personal life, as his girlfriend, Chantal, became pregnant with their son, Jaden, during this time.

How did Emlyn transition into his job at Namdeb?

After completing his qualification, Emlyn landed a job at Namdeb, a diamond mining company. Though initially daunting, he received mentorship from experienced artisans who helped him adapt to the work environment and learn the practical skills required.

What is the significance of Emlyn’s role in Namdeb’s mining operations?

Emlyn’s work is crucial in ensuring that the equipment and machinery at Namdeb’s diamond mining operations function at optimal levels. As a fitter and turner, he is responsible for repairing pumps, conveyors, and other mechanical parts in the mining plant.

How does Emlyn’s job require physical strength and skill?

Emlyn’s job often involves physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy parts and working in noisy, risky environments. His strong physique helps him handle these tasks, and his technical skill allows him to perform complex work without direct supervision.

What personal qualities make Emlyn an asset at his job?

Emlyn is known for his strong work ethic, ability to perform well under pressure, and dedication to teamwork. His colleagues appreciate him for his humor and skills, and his dedication to quality work makes him a valuable asset to the team.

How does Emlyn unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, Emlyn enjoys watching rugby, supporting the Orangemen team in the southern region. He also spends quality time with his wife, Chantal, and their son, Jaden, and occasionally visits his mother when she travels to see him.

What lesson does Emlyn’s story teach about pursuing a career in trades?

Emlyn’s story highlights the importance of having a strong work ethic and the value of pursuing a career in trades, such as fitting and turning. It shows that success is not about recognition but about doing work worthy of recognition and having the dedication to learn and improve continuously.