A look into our production supervisors career path
Luke Byrne joined LCA six years ago, and his journey from humble beginnings to a key leadership role is nothing short of remarkable. He started as our Stores and Facility Manager, quickly showcasing his potential and dedication. When we restructured the manufacturing floor, splitting it into build and fit and wiring sections, Luke was promoted to Build and Fit Lead, where he managed a team of four for three years. During this time, he honed his leadership skills and excelled in project execution. Impressively, with the help of our brilliant wiring team, Luke even trained himself up to be a decent wireman so he could understand and help his team when needed, just showing his dedication to the company and his drive to succeed and improve.
Recognizing his talent, LCA advanced Luke to Build and Fit Manager and Inventory Lead. As an important member of a wider procurement team, Luke helped make significant improvements to our operations, identifying and addressing inefficiencies that saved the company nearly £250,000 by reducing waste, returning stock and tracking purchases more rigorously. His relentless hard work and commitment paved the way for his promotion to Production Supervisor, a role in which he continues to drive excellence and innovation in our production processes.
Luke’s journey is a powerful testament to the growth and development opportunities at LCA. We are incredibly proud to have him as a key member of our team, and his success story inspires us all.
What does your job involve?
My job involves managing the day-to-day operations of the control system manufacturing facility. I oversee the team, ensuring that we meet our targets and objectives, and I closely monitor projects to keep them on track. I also conduct quality checks to maintain high standards and ensure that we consistently follow ISO 9001 procedures.
What qualifications have you gained from your time at LCA and explain what they are?
During my time at LCA, I’ve gained several qualifications that have been valuable to my professional development.
- First, I completed the ILM Level 2 qualification, which is an Institute of Leadership and Management certification. This course provided me with foundational skills in leadership and team management, helping me to effectively supervise and motivate my team.
- I also received training in Industry 4.0, which focuses on the integration of digital technologies in manufacturing. This qualification enhanced my understanding of smart technologies and data-driven processes, allowing me to implement modern, efficient practices in our facility.
- Additionally, I earned a First Aid certification, which equipped me with essential skills to respond to medical emergencies in the workplace.
- I’ve also obtained a Forklift Truck (FLT) Licence, authorizing me to operate forklifts safely, and a Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Class 4a & 4b certification, which allows me to operate different types of aerial work platforms.
- Lastly, I completed IPC Training, which provided me with the standards for electronic assembly and quality assurance in manufacturing. This training ensures that I understand and can implement best practices for producing high-quality electronic components.
These qualifications have helped me become a better manager and a good production supervisor
What would you tell a new employee about working at LCA?
If you’re starting at LCA, you’re in for a great time. I think that the company has an open-minded and modern approach, always looking for ways to innovate and automate our processes. Theres a skilled team here, and there’s a lot to learn from everyone around you. When I first joined, I started with a broom in my hand, and now I manage the shop floor, so you have opportunities to improve and succeed. The leadership team is excellent—supportive and genuinely invested in our success. What really stands out is how trusting and loyal our bosses are. Overall, LCA is driven by a commitment to constant improvement, and it’s a fantastic environment for both personal and professional growth.
Question 4 – What do you find most rewarding about your job?
What I find very rewarding about my job is watching a project evolve from start to finish. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in seeing everything come together, especially when I monitor the dashboard and see all the tasks staying on target and on time. It’s also incredibly fulfilling to help employees grow and develop, just as I did. When I watch an employee achieve something it’s rewarding to know that I’ve played a part in their professional development. And most importantly, seeing the successes, both financially and in terms of data, compared to when I first took on my role, is truly gratifying.
