Gary Stocker

Experience

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  AL-KO Kober Corp

  Dec 1984 - Mar 1987

  Various positions and titles.

  Initially went there part-time, whilst at polytechnic, to assist in a marketing project. Stayed on afterwards in a variety of roles.

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  Whiting Electrical Supplies Ltd.

  Mar 1987 - Sept 1987

  Assistant Manager

  Assisted in running four different electrical wholesalers branches.I was offered a trainee manager's position.

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  Various

  Aug 1988 - Sept 1990

  Various positions and titles.

  During the summer holidays from polytechnic I worked at various companies in a variety of roles. These included factory work, warehouse work & data inputting on a computer. The companies were Abex Plastic Products Ltd., Travail Employment Group, Kigass Aero Components Ltd. & Actionline.

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  Geotech (UK) Ltd.

  Aug 1991 - Oct 1991

  Labourer

  I was originally taken on as a labourer to help renovate the factory. The managing director did want to retain me in another role, but was unable due to a fall off in work.

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  Kigass Aero Components Ltd.

  Oct 1991 - Oct 1993

  Machine operator

  Started work there as a general machinist. Ended up by running a manufacturing cell forming and assembling components for Ford Tractors.

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  Exploration Associates, later Soil Mechanics

  Oct 1993 - Jun 2008

  Initially Trainee Laboratory Technician, later Laboratory Technician

  I primarily tested geological samples for effective stress in a laboratory. Although I was often in demand from other departments. Such as the routine laboratory as well as going out on site with two other departments, CL Associates and Geocone, to engage in site investigation. With Geocone we often stayed away for a week at a time at different locations within the British Isles. In June 2008 we moved to another location in Southam (please see above).Awarded "Employee of the Month " once (received an extra week's pay as a reward). Show less

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  Soil Mechanics

  Jun 2008 - Jul 2010

  Initially Senior Technician, then Deputy Laboratory Supervisor

  I helped to run the effective stress laboratory of a soils testing lab'.

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  Environmental Scientifics Group

  Nov 2010 - Jan 2013

  Materials Section Laboratory Supervisor

  Carried out various forms of testing in a soils testing laboratory in accordance with UKAS requirements.Was on the Health and Safety Committee.Was one of the Fire Marshalls.Carried out calibrations in accordance with UKAS requirements.Increased the capacity of the lab' by a half.I was made redundant from the Southam lab' in July 2010. However the manager from the Daventry lab' contacted me and asked me to work there. Where I got a payrise and a promotion.

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  Sandvik Hyperion (formerly Sandvik Hard Materials)

  Jan 2013 - May 2017

  Research and Development Technician

  Involved in R&D projects, supporting the project leaders in various activities,Running various pieces of equipment such as the sinter hip furnace and the wear tester,Use various different types of microscope,Deal with various suppliers and the associated administration,Write technical memos,Give presentations on projects that I have been involved with,Have written some online instruction manuals, Responsible for different items of lab' equipment (including sinter hip furnace, wear tester and various chemical testing pieces of equipment) and areas of the lab' (including the chemical room).Modified some pieces of equipment, which has meant collaborating with other people, both internally and externally.Have had some of my experiment results used in various patents. Show less

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  WMG, University of Warwick

  May 2017 - now

  Involved with setting up a WMG materials testing lab in the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC).I am involved with materials testing and performing laboratory management – responsible for the day-to-day management of one of WMG’s materials testing facilities. I operate testing equipment and schedule usage. The testing equipment being three testing frames which can perform a variety of mechanical tests on a variety of samples. These are primarily car batteries, for the upcoming electrification of cars. Although we do test other samples too.I ensure health and safety legislation is adhered to by staff, students and external collaborators utilising the WMG facilities. To provide health and safety guidance and, when required, supervision for those working within WMG test facilities with the use of relevant risk assessments, safe systems of work and COSHH information. I assist in the maintenance and continued development of a diverse range of specialist equipment and apparatus in order to facilitate research and teaching. Ensuring that this is done adhering to current legislation and in the most cost effective manner.In addition to my official duties above, I also do "close reading" for the Ethics Review Board about once a month. I am on the Sustainability Committee for the Warwick University Technician Commitment (https://sciencecouncil.org/employers/technician-commitment/). I also often engage in voluntary work for different departments. Including being a Green Champion for the department which I am in. This involves improving recycling within the department and thinking of and implementing new initiatives. Which makes economic sense as well as improving our green image. We have regular meetings. Show less Operate mechanical test equipment and thermal analysis machines in the Automotive Composites Research Centre (ACRC). The equipment which I use includes: Mettler Toledo, Instron and Buehler.Undertake specific test and analysis work to support internal and external projects and in support of both teaching and research activities. Utilise data analysis software and to prepare reports and presentations.Consult and liaise with academics, students and other WMG staff on the use of apparatus and equipment, including specimen preparation. Dealing with both internal and external customers to meet their specifications and achieve high levels of customer satisfaction.Provide support for both student teaching labs and student projects. To teach and advise researchers and students on the use of equipment and apparatus within the Automotive Composites Research Centre.Ensure health and safety legislation is adhered to by staff and students utilising the test equipment. To provide health and safety guidance and, when required, supervision for those working within the Automotive Composites Research Centre and associated laboratories with the use of relevant risk assessments, safe systems of work and COSHH information.Assist in the maintenance and continued development of a diverse range of specialist equipment and apparatus, in order to facilitate the research and teaching and to ensure this is done adhering to current legislation and in the most cost effective manner.Assist at departmental and university open days, which are normally on a Saturday.Often volunteer for research trials which are being conducted.Close reader for the Biomedical and Scientific Research Ethics Committee (BSREC) Show less

  • Test Engineer

    Nov 2018 - now

  • Material Characterisation Technician

    May 2017 - Oct 2018