The LinkedIn CNC Guy. Customer focused business leader. Specialists in machining, fabrication, rubber mouldings, form-in-place gaskets, thermal gap pads, and more
This is Lillie Cooper. Lillie has been with us for 5 years, and in that time has become a superstar in her abilities, knowledge and outright effort. She joined us aged 18 after completing a Level 3 Apprenticeship with a local company who couldn't give her the opportunities that she was capable of going to, which was a great shame for them, and a big opportunity for me and for Geometric Manufacturing Ltd. Lillie worked really hard and Graduated from her Degree Apprenticeship with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Manufacturing Engineering. In her in-house training alongside her academic studies she excelled in her ability to set 3 and 5 axis CNC machines; she took to the CMM and PC-DMIS software like a duck to water; and was just the same when it came to Hypermill training for 3 axis, and 5 axis milling programming, and for turning. Laterly she has been self-managing the programming and production of almost all the parts we have produced for our in-house robot development project, and gone on to integrate a lot of the parts onto the machines, and become the user trainer as we've rolled out the robots into our own production. 18 months ago she helped man (woman) our DSEI stand where she handled herself superbly and presented the company in the best possible light. Last year she accompanied me to the Make UK Defence National Defence Summit in Birmingham and immediately fitted in with anyone and everyone in attendance, completely at ease and talking naturally to buyers from prime contractors at the Meet the Buyer, CEOs of mid-tier defence contractors, fellow delegates, and the Make UK staff on-site. Sadly, today Lillie has left the business. 😞 But she hasn't left because she is unhappy, or because some other manufacturer or nationwide company have snapped her up. No, she is going travelling, in her self-converted VW Transporter campervan, with her boyfriend, firstly across Europe until the end of the year, before coming home to dog sit while her parents are away, and then to visit Australia. She's promised to come and visit us at Christmas, and she's told me this week that if she comes back home at the end of her long term travels (that's a big IF I fear), she wants to come back to us to continue her career. Whatever she does ultimately do I know for certain she will be succesful at it. If its not us who benefits from her energy and abilities, whoever she ends up working with will quickly know just how lucky they are. Safe travels young lady, you've been a delight to work with, hoping one day we get the chance to have you back. #ukmanufacturing #apprenticeships #womeninengineering #superstar
The World is literally her oyster..... Well done Lillie on the qualification, its great to see another successful ambassador for girls looking at STEM careers 🤙
Manoj Chawla
1mo
We are all on a journey to find ourselves. You get it. It’s not about you, it’s about you respecting her journey. When you see it that way you find people come and go and revisit when the time is right. You appreciated the value she brought and accepted when he needed to grow. Love your story Paul Wenham
Claire Spillane
1mo
So nice to read of Lillie Cooper's development, plans and dreams. I hope she knew before she left how valued she was? It's so important to treat our teams with respect and give praise. If so, don't worry she will return to you eventually. Thanks for sharing 😊
George Craik
1mo
Enjoy your travels, sounds like the trade is losing a great asset.
Lillie Cooper
1mo
Thanks for much for the opportunities you’ve given me! There may be no place like home… who knows what the future holds
Congrats to the team at Geometric Manufacturing Ltd and to Paul Wenham for developing a capable and competent young lady. We love to see investment in the next generation of Machinists and Programmers to ensure our industry not only survives but also thrives. Safe travels Lillie Cooper, feel free to pop in and say hi when you’re in Australia! 🇦🇺
Daniel Stanphill
1mo
Losing a good employee is devastating. Too often business owners feel afraid to admit just how much it sucks to lose someone who is great at what they do and fits in with the culture. You have clearly done a tremendous job empowering those who work for you to be the best version of themselves, even if it means leaving the nest. That is very admirable. This reads like sincere gratitude for the service rendered. But even more important, it reads like sincere well wishes for someone who has chosen to, at least temporarily, leave your employ. Kudos Paul Wenham!
Stjepan Crnkovic
1mo
Paul Wenham It's always nice to see the praises and push that one boss / manager can give to young aspiring professional. It's a shame more people don't follow your suit , but it too speaks volumes of how rare are the young and bright , hard working people in the market! Best wishes to the young professional in whole endeavors she wants to do! But i hope that machining will be always in the fore front of her professional life! Best wishes!
Andrew Ward MIET
1mo
Paul, I've never had the pleasure of meeting Lillie, but for you to write such a glowing post about her time working with you, she has clearly contributed significantly to your business and the development of your automation systems, good luck to her for the future.
Founder HydraulicsOnline.com | InspiresMe Consulting Ltd | Award-Winning Mentor, Advisor, Speaker | UK Export Champion | Northern Power Women Power List | f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100 | Be the Business Ambassador | Mum to 7
1moI love this, Paul… it’s clear that you’ve given Lillie the wings to fly. Be proud.