Catching up with Andrea Pytel: Reflections on her first three months

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Andrea Pytel, who joined BCW Design & Manufacture three months ago as a Quality Assurance Inspector. Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Andrea has quickly become a vital part of our team, ensuring that we maintain our world-class quality standards across all facets of our operations.

In this interview, Andrea shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges she faces in her role, and the strategies she employs to uphold meticulous quality standards. Additionally, she reflects on her journey into the field of engineering, the importance of initiatives like International Women in Engineering Day, and offers valuable advice for young women considering a career in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Role-Specific Questions:

Can you describe a typical day in your role as a Quality Assurance Inspector at BCW Design & Manufacture?

My role involves a mix of responsibilities as a Quality Inspector, CMM Operator, and Laser Tracker Trainee. I start my day by checking emails to ensure I'm up to date on important communications. I then review the inspection area to ensure everything is current and in order. Throughout the day, I receive jobs for inspection or am asked to inspect jobs on the shop floor. My tasks include both visual and manual inspections using equipment like verniers, micrometres, and manual CMMs to take precise measurements and ensure quality standards are met.

What are some of the most challenging aspects of ensuring "Right First Time" quality standards in your work?

The challenge lies not so much in the difficulty but in the diligence required to meet the highest standards demanded. Ensuring everything meets these standards drives customer satisfaction and loyalty, builds trust, and enhances our company’s reputation.

How do you approach overseeing quality inspections and managing dimensional process capabilities?

I use a combination of visual and manual inspections. Visual checks require keen attention to detail to detect imperfections and faults. For manual inspections, I use specific equipment to take the most accurate measurements, such as verniers, micrometres, and manual CMMs.

Can you share a specific example of a time when your work significantly contributed to reducing the cost of poor quality?

Quality assurance is about reducing costs by ensuring everything is done correctly at each step. By identifying and addressing issues early, inspections save time and money, reduce production delays, prevent customer complaints, and minimise the costs associated with reworks.

What strategies do you employ to ensure meticulous documentation and sign-off packs are completed to the highest standards?

I ensure all job packs are correctly signed and up to date before filing them. Any errors are promptly reported to the line manager for correction, maintaining the integrity of our documentation process.

To ensure meticulous documentation and sign-off packs are completed to the highest standards, I follow a detailed and systematic approach checking things such as:

• Initial Review
• Checklist Creation
• Double checking/Cross referencing
• Update documents in a timely manner and version control
• Error reporting and Corrective Actions
• Stick to industry standards and compliance
• Comprehensive final review and organised filing.

By following these steps, I ensure that all documentation and sign-off packs are thorough, accurate, and maintained to the highest standards, contributing to the overall quality and efficiency of our operations at BCW Design & Manufacture.

Engineering Career Questions:

What first drew you to a career in engineering, and what has kept you motivated in this field?

Initially, I ended up in engineering unintentionally and was sceptical at first. However, I grew to love the field because every day is different, offering new challenges and learning opportunities that keep me engaged and motivated.

How do you feel your role as a Quality Assurance Inspector contributes to the broader goals of BCW Design & Manufacture?

By ensuring that all quality specifications and requirements are not just met but exceeded, I contribute to reducing the cost of poor quality, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting the company's mission of delivering excellence and getting things "Right First Time".  It is a real priority for us as a team, we have a long-standing history of exceptional quality and it is something we want to continue to deliver to our customers.

International Women in Engineering Day Questions:

How do you think initiatives like International Women in Engineering Day help in raising awareness and promoting women in engineering?

As an independent woman who enjoys challenging herself, I find that International Women in Engineering Day showcases how women can thrive in non-traditional roles. It supports women to achieve their potential as engineers, encourages education and study in engineering, and promotes gender diversity and equality in the workplace.

What advice would you give to young girls and women considering a career in engineering?

Advice for Aspiring Female Engineers:

Go for It: My advice is to pursue a role within engineering. There is so much to learn, and the field offers countless opportunities to be a part of future innovations.

Versatility and Opportunity: I feel fortunate that engineering has opened many doors for me, allowing me to explore various areas within the field. It is incredibly versatile, and you can find a niche that suits your interests and skills.

Learn from Mistakes: Mistakes are inevitable, but they are also valuable learning experiences. Take advice from others, learn from your errors, and use those lessons to grow and improve.

Embracing these challenges and opportunities has been incredibly rewarding, and I encourage other women to consider a career in engineering for the same reasons.

Can you share any experiences or challenges you have faced as a woman in engineering, and how you have overcome them?

As a female in engineering, I’ve faced challenges like gender bias, lack of female role models and mentors, and balancing work and family responsibilities. Overcoming these challenges requires being fearless, having thick skin, and not letting obstacles deter you from pursuing your goals.

Stay tuned for more stories celebrating the incredible team at BCW Design & Manufacture. 

If you want to be a part of Team BCW and working in Engineering appeals to you, contact recruitment@bcwgroup.co.uk or keep a look out on our careers page.