People Focus | Matthew Reason — Matthew Reason (left), pictured here with delegates from a recent course.

An organisations’ team is integral to its success.

That is most certainly true, here at MCP Technical Training.

Our people make MCP Technical Training who we are and we wanted to dedicate a series of blogs promoting just some of the amazing individuals who make up our Team. This is their chance, in their own words, to highlight their expansive experience in mechanical and electrical training so you, our customer, can see where the true added value is in working with us.

Next Up - Matthew Reason | MCP Technical Trainer since 2014 (and a bit before!)

Early Career

Although Matt was born in the UK, he grew up between South Africa and Rhodesia. When his family decided to move back to the UK, Matt stayed behind to complete his apprenticeship in Control and Instrumentation (C&I) in a local Sugar Mill. He eventually moved back to the UK in 1995. His first job was as a service engineer, he then moved into training with a company called Langcet who were based in Slough. Our Technical Training Director, John Saysell, also worked for this company although their paths did not cross often. We will come back to John in a minute!

Not long after he joined Langcet, Matt was given an opportunity to volunteer for his congregation at their headquarters in London, where they printed Bible literature. He decided to complete a year there first before returning to Langcet, where he became a C&I trainer, later moving into electrical courses as well.

In Demand

Sadly Langcet went into administration. However, one of the Directors ventured out on his own and asked Matt to continue to train for him as an associate. He also freelanced for another company in London. It was at this time that John also got back into contact. John had moved to MCP by this time and asked Matt to join him. Matt decided to work for all three companies!

MCP Technical Training

As time moved on, Matt’s personal circumstances changed and he decided to join MCP full time in 2014. Matt completed a number of training course himself to make sure he was completely up to date with current processes and regulations. All the courses he runs have changed and evolved through the years. Matt added “C&I has really developed with the changing times, particularly with regard to electronics. We can adapt the courses we run to really suit our customers needs. For example, a recent C&I course I ran, the company’s equipment dated back to the 1960’s, so I adapted the course material to cater for this.”

Favourite Course

We asked Matt what his favourite course was to run, he replied “Although I really enjoy providing 18th Edition training, I think that teaching C&I is still my favourite. I particularly enjoy teaching apprentices. They have a thirst for knowledge and it really makes my day when they go away with new skills in their pocket. I like to be asked lots of questions, so the delegates can really get the most out of the course and it also keeps me on my toes!”

Matthew C&I Training — Matthew with delegates on Control and Instrumentation course

What else does he enjoy within his role? “I love building rigs! I can just get lost in the task. Luckily, as the technical training division grows - we need more rigs!”

The Future

Finally we discussed what the future holds “It is a concern in manufacturing that there is such a skills shortage. However, this works in our favour, as it means that the need to upskill and multi-skill technicians is a priority for companies. This means that technicians have a great opportunity to develop and there are far more apprenticeships available.”

And what about Matt’s future? “MCP have been really good to me and now I am settled with a young boy and another child on the way, I’m happy to be part of this growing division, every day is a learning day! I would like to be more involved in the development, organisation and management of the team and of course, enable more and more apprentices to work their way up the ladder as maintenance technicians!”

To learn more about Matt’s favourite course - Control and Instrumentation, click here.