Two months in and our T Level students from Dudley College of Technology, Ekene and Somto, have had the chance to explore MiTek’s Customer Experience (CX) department and visit key client sites to gain invaluable industry insight.
The objective of our internship programme is to allow students to be fully immersed in our business. We encourage them to put theory to the test, to get involved in all aspects so they can see first-hand how our operations work in the real world.
We spoke to Ekene and Somto to hear how the CX department functions, their experience going on site, and the surprising lessons they’ve learned so far.
What have you learned about the MiTek CX department and its role in the company?
Ekene: “The CX department is at the heart of MiTek’s operations. It’s responsible for floor design and the development of offsite construction solutions like Posi-Joist and roof trusses using connector plates. PAMIR software plays a major role here, as it streamlines the design process and ensures accuracy. The department also works closely with customers, ensuring their needs are met and giving them the tools to access designs remotely.”
Somto: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with PAMIR software, which is used for floor design and roof truss design. We had two sessions with Culver – MiTek’s head of training – one focused on the software itself, and the other introduced me to floor design. I’ve learned how to create designs, check for potential issues, and ensure that everything is up to standard. It’s been an eye-opening and educational experience.”
How do you think the CX department supports both MiTek’s business and its customers?
Somto: “The CX department is where designs for roofs and floors are created. They then work directly with customers to ensure the designs meet their specifications. By offering this tailored service, the department adds immense value both to the business and to the customers who rely on these designs for their construction projects.”
Ekene: “By developing the PAMIR software, the CX department takes a significant burden off design engineers, allowing them to focus on complex tasks. Additionally, the software allows customers to view their designs on smartphones, which gives them confidence that the final product aligns with their requests.”
“Understanding the CX department has shown me that MiTek isn’t just about manufacturing products like the Posi webs and connector plates. The company also offers critical support to its customers, ensuring that they can effectively use the products being supplied.”
You’ve visited MiTek’s manufacturing partners, including ETS in Shrewsbury, Donaldson Timber Engineering in Exeter, and Crendon in Glastonbury. What insights have these visits given you?
Somto: “The visits have been really informative. I’ve learned that MiTek doesn’t just design machinery and send it out—it also monitors how these machines are performing in the field. They revisit customer sites to check for any issues and gather feedback, which is vital for improving the design and maintaining strong relationships with clients. This ongoing support is something I hadn’t expected, but I think it’s fantastic.”
Ekene: “It was great to see MiTek’s products in use at different locations. These visits have really helped me understand how MiTek’s technologies are integrated into the wider construction process. They showed me how MiTek machines contribute to the efficiency of construction.
What new perspectives are you gaining on volume housebuilding in the UK through this internship?
Somto: “One of the main things I’ve learned is how roofs and floors are manufactured and the role machines play in the process. I had some prior knowledge, but the internship has given me a much deeper understanding of how these components are produced on a larger scale.”
Ekene: “Volume housebuilding is an efficient way to address the housing demand in the UK. It saves time, reduces waste, and is cost-effective. I now see how important it is to streamline the process to meet the growing demand for housing.”
What has surprised you most about the internship so far? Have you learned anything new about yourself or the UK manufacturing industry?
Somto: “Almost everything has been a surprise. It’s one thing to learn about things in theory, but seeing them in action in an office setting is a whole new experience. I’ve learned that I can remain calm and collected, even when nervous. The people here have been so supportive, always ready to help when I need it.”
Ekene: “Seeing the High-Speed Posi-Press in action for the first time was amazing. It was fascinating to see how much of the process is automated. It really highlighted how much goes into the manufacturing of parts before they even reach the construction site. This internship has also made me more aware of the urgent need for housing in the UK and how offsite manufacturing is a key solution to meeting that need.”
