Storm Browers
Graduate Automation Engineer
I have been fortunate enough to join MC Design & Contracting as a Graduate Automation Engineer. MC Design & Contracting is company that I applaud for its well-received reputation, wide range of capabilities and completed projects. Joining company with such a good standing has been a privilege.
Joining the work force, straight after university with limited real-world experience is daunting and anxiety inducing but a pleasant working environment smooths the anxiety normally associated with such a big transition, which is exactly the environment MC design provides with surplus.
I enjoy the company’s simplicity on how they complete tasks. It is structured and follows predetermined steps within processing making it easier to understand for new employees, further contributing to making the transition from university to the working environment much easier.
Over the last 2 months the aforementioned transition has been a smooth gradual one thanks to MC design, slowly familiarizing the new employees to what is required of them instead of throwing them in the deep end, and making it clear that mistakes are not desired but are expected but will be seen as growth and a learning experience. The time spent so far has allowed me to familiarize myself with the common PLCs used within industry and their associated software and to learn more about the intricacies of the Automation field.
Work Culture
My favourite “feature” about the company is the people. Ever since I started at MC design, I have felt welcomed. The people within the company are overflowing with friendliness.
Observing the way others conduct their work is a testament to the excellent ethic that is present at the company. Every task seems to be treated with a care that motivates others to do the same. The friendliness is contagious which makes everyone extremely approachable, making the task of asking questions as easier as conversing with a friend. Everything said feels heard no matter how small, showing how important employee satisfaction is to everyone. The work environment makes you want to go the extra mile.
Looking Forward
I am eager to see what the future holds within the coming months and to be able to contribute towards the company’s goals. With the support of the company, I think I can evolve into a valved member of the team.
Based on the time I have spent at the company I can confidently say that I am going to learn and grow a lot as member of MC design in the days to come. I am grateful to be a part of the MC design team.
Sisa Xozwa
Graduate Automation Engineer
Transitioning from a lecture hall to the front lines of industrial automation is a leap but doing so at MC Design & Contracting has turned that leap into a steady, purposeful climb. Over the last eight weeks, I’ve traded textbooks for PLCs and simulations for real world systems, discovering that in this industry, the learning never truly stops.
Bridging the Gap
Walking into a company with a three-decade footprint in South Africa is intimidating, especially as this is my first “real” industry role. As my lecturer used to say, “What you think you know is not what you really know.” My first few weeks here proved him right. I arrived with my BEngTech from NMU and a stack of certificates, but the real education started the moment I saw our systems in person.
As an Automation Graduate, I’ve been encouraged to ask the “why” behind the “how.” Whether I’m diving into software logic or observing how our hardware integrates with the electrical equipment, the focus has always been on precision and problem solving.
The Culture
One of the best parts of these first two months has been the people. In an industry that can sometimes feel strict, the culture here is incredibly welcoming. I’ve found that whether I’m asking a “rookie” question or suggesting a different approach, the senior engineers are always ready to guide me.
This welcoming spirt was very evident during my interactions with different departments. Seeing the mechanical and electrical designs from my colleagues, the fellow graduates who started alongside me. It’s like a well-organized Manchester City attack, everyone has a role, the movement is fluid and the goal is always precision.
The Learning Curve
I’m always the guy that says, “No resistance can drop your potential.” (Electrical engineering joke intended, please laugh) but at MC Design, that’s the goal. The company provides an environment with very little “resistance” to growth. I’ve been able to apply my background in Electrical Engineering to real world scenarios.
Every day feels like a high stakes game of FIFA, it requires quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt when the “opposition” (usually a stubborn piece of code) tries to block your path.
Breaking New Ground
Being the first in my family to pursue an engineering career carries a lot of weight, but the support I’ve found at MC Design makes that weight feel like fuel. I’m not just the “Tech guy” or the “automation guy”, I’m part of a team that’s building the future of South African manufacturing.
Looking Forward
As I move into my third month and beyond, my goal is simple, to continue absorbing knowledge and to start contributing more significantly to our projects. I’m ready to keep pushing my potential, refining what I really know (😉), and helping MC Design lead the way in automation.
