Rising through the ranks - Nicholas Skinner

Meet Nicholas Skinner, Maintenance Technician at Chemring Countermeasures USA located in Toone, Tennessee. Nicholas is undertaking Advanced Robotic training as part of his role supporting the new CCM USA facility and has ambitions to gain a BSc in Controls Engineering.  
Tell us a bit about the site you are at and your role in the team 

I’m based at CCM USA, also known as Kilgore Flares, located in Toone, Tennessee. The site has been there since 1960 and has provided steady employment for the surrounding communities ever since. I am currently employed as a Maintenance Technician at the new ‘Charlie’ facility, which is built with more advanced technology. The facility manufactures countermeasures using automation, robotics, and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), which are industrial computers that control automated processes. It’s my job to maintain all the equipment within the Charlie facility and the legacy plant. 

Describe your career path to date 

I began my journey at Tennessee Technology College in Jackson, where I enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance Program. Since graduating, I have been fortunate to work in several different industries. My career in maintenance began in the plastics industry and automotive before coming to Chemring. Here, I have had opportunities and further training to enhance my craft, allowing me to serve the company better. 

When I first started at Chemring, my goal was to learn as much as I could from my co-workers and supervisors to become a contributing team member. I also wanted to be afforded the opportunity to get more education to enhance my skill set and craft. 

What advice would you give anyone starting a career in Chemring today? 

Chemring is a great company that believes in investing in its employees to help the business grow and develop future leaders. You should take advantage of the training and development opportunities the company provides.  

What do you like most about your role? 

The teamwork and collaboration of the different groups to work together and solve problems. Also, the feeling of being empowered and supported throughout the organisation. 

What has been your career highlight to date? 

My career highlight has been becoming a part of the team at the new Charlie facility. It’s given me the opportunity and ability to learn new technologies and gain new training to support the business. I’ve received professional development in the form of Advanced Robotic Training, and I’m also attending the apprenticeship program.  

My goal now is to complete the apprenticeship program and attend the University of Tennessee at Martin to receive a Batchelor of Science in Controls Engineering.