Jason Encarnacion watched mechanics working when he was a child and is now an experienced Heavy Equipment Technician. He has experience on a range of equipment from mining equipment to bulldozers. Jason has worked in the Philippines and is now working in the UK.

Working life of a heavy equipment technician in the UK

Background

Have you always liked knowing how things work? Can you give examples and as well were there any of your toys which were technical?

Even before I was a mechanic, I liked assisting mechanics in fixing motorcycles, and tools and equipment for agriculture. As well I liked inventing my own crafted toys, bicycle, scooter, as well as other things which had mechanical concepts.

Have you always liked fixing things? Can you give examples?

Yes, I do like fixing things such as household equipment, electrical components, toys, motorcycles, bicycles, and engines.

Did anyone at school or in your family suggest working as a Field Services Engineer to you? and why?

No, I was just influenced when I saw mechanics and technicians fixing cars, trucks, and other industrial equipment. That’s when I said to myself that I wanted to be like them. Also, it is advantageous to be a skilled worker in this industry for your future career.

Could you name three great engineers or scientists who have inspired you?

My three are as follows.

Rudolf Diesel who was German but born in Paris and the inventor of the diesel engine.

Archimedes from Syracuse in Sicily who was a great mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor.

Daniel Bernoulli a Swiss mathematician and physicist especially remembered for his applications of fluid mechanics.

Equipment used as a Heavy Equipment Technician at Maxima Machineries Inc.

What were the types of equipment you worked on?

I worked on a range of equipment including the following.

Small, medium, and large excavators
Bulldozers
Loaders
Dump trucks
Motor Graders
Compactors

What is the most interesting piece of equipment you worked on?

Mining equipment because it’s a rare chance to experience working on this type of equipment as well as going to the pit for rescue. Mining equipment is unique and so only seen on mining sites.

What has been the most difficult piece of equipment you worked on?

Bulldozers are difficult to work on because of the tight spaces to work in. As well the components and covers are heavy especially when you are working under the machine.

Equipment used as a Heavy Equipment Technician at LC International Ltd.

What are the types of equipment you work on?

Arjes shredder 250
Sunward excavators

What is the most interesting piece of equipment you work on?

The diggers are the most interesting.

What has been the most difficult piece of equipment you have worked on?

A Doosan excavator because I didn’t have a manual.

Tools for a Heavy Equipment Technician

What is in your toolbox?

The contents of my toolbox are as follows.

Set of spanners
Socket set (socket wrenches)
Set of screw drivers
Hammer
Pry bar
Oil Filter wrench
Breaker bar
Ratchet handle
Extensions
Adjustable
Vice grip
Multimeter tester
Set of pliers
Side cutter
Cutter
Allen key set
Torx screw set
Allen socket set

What is your most useful tool?

My spanners are my most useful and therefore my most used.

Working as a Heavy Equipment Field Service Engineer/Technician

What are your tips for when a piece of equipment is difficult to repair? (how do you troubleshoot?)

Refer to the shop manual or call a friend who might have experienced the same trouble or issue.

What are your tips for the best ways to share knowledge and experience with other engineers?

Always be a good team player and show that you are.

How do you cope with bad weather?

Always be prepared with whatever waterproofs you might need to do the job when bad weather comes.

Relocating internationally

You moved to the UK from the Philippines? What has the adjustment been like for you in terms of:
Climate?
Culture?
Living (food, infrastructure, etc.)?

I have slowly trained myself when it comes to weather, food, and culture. Also, I have stayed inspired and focused with the reasons why I came here to the UK.

How have you built a new social network?

I always welcome people that I feel can help me in my career.

How do you keep in touch with friends and family in the Philippines?

Using social media is the best way because it’s so fast.

Working in another country

What sort of personality traits and skills are ideal for an engineer who wants to work in another country?

The personality traits and skills needed are as follows.

Self-motivated
Strong self-discipline
A good team player
A strong foundation in a chosen trade

What additional skills does an engineer with international experience have?

I think there are four main ones.

Has experience working with people with different nationality and culture.
Has developed to be flexible in work procedures and practices.
As well experienced in special test equipment and tools.
Trained in different safety procedures.

How do you think speaking more than one language makes you a better communicator as an engineer?

It is advantageous in a workplace specially when working in field service engineering. This is because the engineer will meet people of different nationalities and cultures – both colleagues and managers. When you speak more than one language, communication is easier whichever language you are using.

Further reading

Successful life of a Mining Equipment Field Service Engineer

How to manage vehicle fleets – people, vehicles, and the future

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