The World Cup certainly gave us some surprises this summer and Wimbledon has had one or two of its own, with favourite Roger Federer knocked out in the quarterfinals. As Andy Murray sits in the commentary box, hopes for a thrilling semi-final rest on Nadal and Djokovic as they go toe to toe on the grass this afternoon. However, none of this would be possible without the behind the scenes engineering innovations that make the game so great. We take a look at three of these: Hawk-eye Hawk-Eye has been an integral part of tennis since 2002 and continues to truly enhance the game for federations, tournaments, broadcasters, sponsors, academics and fans. Used in over 80 tournaments around the world, Hawk-Eye’s ITF approved Electronic Line Calling service takes the doubt out of close line calls by using the most sophisticated and accurate (to the millimetre) ball tracking cameras to identify whether a ball has bounced in or out. Using a technology called Computer Vision (central to speed cameras and robotics), the system measures the bounce point of the ball relative to the global coordinates of the tennis court, and then tries to infer the position of that bounce point relative to the line. These ball location estimates are then combined with ball ballistics (i.e. the rise in temperature caused by the collision of the ball on the ground). This electronic judging mostly gets it right - more often than humans do - but there are no absolutes. Centre Court Roof Gone are the days of having to watch the game at Wimbledon under a murky, rain-filled sky with the new all-weather multi-million-pound motorised roof. The enclosed environment that took three years to build provides the players with fantastic and most importantly, dry playing conditions when the weather is unfavourable. The translucent roof takes a total of eight minutes to close, controlled by variable-speed drivers to ensure it moves at no more than 214mm per second. It weighs a staggering 3,000 tonnes and stands 16 metres above the court surface. Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Tim Henman and Kim Clijsters were the first players to play under the new structure, which opened on 17th May 2009. Real-Time Performance Data In professional tennis, players and coaches can now access real-time performance data on an iPad during live match play. The software provides insight to help players and coaches analyse the performance of players and optimise the strategy accordingly. It could potentially be the difference between winning and losing a match – or even a championship. At the Wimbledon 2017 championship, it is estimated that a huge 53,713,514 data points were analysed. The data is used in many different ways including delivering historical perspective, live stats, predictive analytics, serve direction and much more. To find your next opportunity, search our latest engineering jobs. To keep up-to-date with the latest from our #TeamMorson ambassadors and sporting news, follow our Twitter page @MorsonGroup and Instagram @weare_morson.
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The England football team could potentially be hours away from their first FIFA World Cup final since 1966. Morson sales director, David Lynchehaun, gives his thoughts on the man leading the charge... The nation didn’t see this coming but some excellent leadership from Gareth Southgate has seen the England team power through to unexpected and welcome success. Leaders become great not because of their power but their ability to empower others and this has been seen in the England camp throughout the tournament. In this blog, I pick five of Southgate’s key traits which demonstrate the hallmarks of a great leader, and how this can translate into the working environment. Invest in the future Remember when Alan Hansen famously said “you can’t win anything with kids” of Manchester United before they stormed into a decade of footballing dominance? Nothing could be further from the truth. Fresh-faced youth often needs the contribution of experience however; for every Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes, there was a Denis Irwin and a Peter Schmeichel to guide them. But investment is key, and the young employees of today are the business leaders of tomorrow, in the same way that many of the best managers in the world today are themselves former players. When Southgate missed that penalty for England in Euro 96, the experience, coupled with the leadership around him, made him grow into the man to lead the national team into their first ever World Cup penalty win. This is why it’s vital to nurture younger talent, so when the time comes for them to take over from you, they’ve been nourished with enough guidance to make them excel. Southgate’s trust in such a young squad has been rewarded richly at this World Cup. What’s particularly key is that he managed a lot of these players at under-21 level previously, and the bonds formed from this time have been crucial in the current success for both parties. At Morson we’ve seen similar successes with our employees who served apprenticeships. Indeed, our first apprentice started with us in 1980 is now our client services director, passing his knowledge down throughout the business. It’s about building a pipeline of talent. Understand individuals Like any great football team, a successful working environment is made up of a collection of very different people with very different personalities and skillsets. You get the sense Southgate knows each of these players inside out. This probably comes from his experience with them from under-21 level (see above point regarding the importance of youth) and will have done wonders for the teams’ prospects in Russia and beyond. Sir Alex Ferguson was a great leader in this respect. He recognised that in order to get the best out of his players, he would have to tailor the way he treated them (he reportedly never once shouted at Eric Cantona, even after his infamous kung-fu kick). Do they need an arm over their shoulder, or do they need the ‘hairdryer’? The same is true in business. Understanding what makes each employee tick is crucial to getting the best out of everyone. Nobody is claiming England are the most talented squad of individuals at the World Cup – but they sure work well as a team. Likewise, there is a lot more to attracting the best talent than increases in salary and nowadays it’s critical that employers and leaders understand the individual employee issues that impact retention. Having an awareness that generational groups have distinctive workplace wants and needs is an essential step in attracting the right people for your business. Morson’s Recruiting Rockstars feature discusses these generational demands and the impact they have in the workplace. Keep a cool head publicly Throughout the World Cup, Gareth Southgate has kept himself remarkably calm and reserved, both during press conferences and during the matches themselves. Of course, there are bursts of passion when England score or win, but for the most Southgate cuts a cool figure. Inside, he will likely be full of thoughts, worries and excitement, but it’s imperative he remains level headed for the benefit of his players. For the vast majority of this squad, this will be their first taste of a major international football tournament and setting a calm example even during high pressure moments is key to fostering an environment that will perform well when challenged. Be honest One thing that has garnered a lot of praise from the sporting press during Southgate’s time as England manager has been his honesty when speaking of (and to) his players. Before the tournament began, he spoke openly of this being an experimental set of players that might not be fully at their peak but asked for patience as he looks to develop the next generation. He also demands honesty from his players. Speaking before the 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals, he made it clear that he would not tolerate players pretending to be fully fit in order to retain their place in the starting 11 that would jeopardise the team’s chances. Being realistic and honest with employees with regards to their own personal goals and where you see them fitting in within the business is an efficient way to lead. It allows both parties to be on the same page immediately. Asking for honesty as well as demonstrating it yourself is a classic hallmark of leadership. Southgate’s players will respect this and as a result abide by his rule. Don’t steal all the praise when things go well With a national frenzy being whipped up in recent weeks, Southgate has found him elevated to a level of national adoration and respect not seen in an England manager since Sir Bobby Robson. Some people might let this go to their head (image how someone like Zlatan Ibrahimović would have reacted to this level of praise) but Southgate is quick to downplay this: “I always think it is dangerous for a start,” said Southgate. “Because I’ve got a lot of faults and I have done plenty of things wrong. It’s obviously a nice moment but it’s probably a good thing that we are away [from it].” He is both humbled by, and recognises the threat of, the fact that he has been elevated into a position of reverence. Likewise, should England confound expectation and actually bring it home, you know the first comments he makes will be in relation to ‘they’ or ‘we’ rather than ‘I’. Listen to his post-match comments from the win over Sweden: “I can’t speak highly enough of the whole squad and the whole group of staff, because it is so united and their level of work and commitment to each other has been great.” When things go well in your organisation, be sure to pass the praise onto those with whom you worked and mentored. Instantly making any victory about yourself will sour your reputation among colleagues and make them less likely to want to work with you, or for you, again. Is it coming home? We dare to dream!
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The annual Sale Sharks summer BBQ took place on July 6th and served as a time to reflect on last year’s rollercoaster season and the aims of the squad for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby campaign ahead of them. The team trained with an extra spring in their step with the excitement elevating due to the recent reveal of the fixtures for the upcoming season. Morson caught up with coach, Steve Diamond who shared his thoughts on the positives and negatives from last year that can help the club grow in the future. ‘The big areas that were good last year was our ability to score from anywhere. We played a really exciting brand, sometimes a bit flippant and that bit us a couple of times’ Long term success very much seems to be the plan for the club and investing from the ground up is key to achieving this according to Steve. ‘Now we’re creeping up on other teams as we’ve spent money on selective recruitment and things behind the scenes such as the academy, we can get some consistency in the squad’ The importance of consistency going forwards was reiterated by co-owner, Simon Orange who discussed his ambitions for the club for next season and beyond. ‘Within our five years to win it (Gallagher Premiership) would be great, Ged and I have got our plan. I think if we win it, that’s a bonus but to get into that top four and to stay there regularly is as much as we have targeted.’ Former Sharks winger Mark Cueto had an abundance of praise for the current side and has no doubt in the talent stemming throughout the club. ‘We’ve got a team that is probably one of the most exciting and attacking sides to watch in the Premiership. Rohan Van Rensberg, Faff De Clerk and Jono Ross, these boys are world class players and are the type of players the club hasn’t had for maybe a decade’ One of the players that is sparking anticipation in the side is latest signing, Chris Ashton. Steve Diamond believes the winger will become a key player for the Sharks. ‘I just think he brings a raft of experience with him. He’s a class player, always has been and bringing his professionalism into a young squad will help’ Simon Orange closed his discussion with a key point of why the fans are so important to any triumphs the club has going forward. ‘You need to come and support the Sharks because if we’re going to get in that top four and stay there, we need supporters to come down’ Watch the video below to see the full interview. To keep up-to-date with the latest sporting news from our #TeamMorson ambassadors, follow our twitter page @MorsonGroup and Instagram @weare_morson
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Andy Reid's Resettlement Plan | Morson are thrilled to launch our recruitment resettlement guide on the centenary of the RAF. Written in partnership with veteran and Morson Forces Ambassador Andy Reid, the guide aims to aid ex-forces members transition to civilian employment. Including features such as 'Preparing to Leave the Armed Forces - Andy's Ten Step Guide' plus CV and interview tips and more light hearted content such as the 'Armed Forces to Civvy Jargon Buster' the plan aims to be informative and relatable. Click here to get your copy of Andy Reid's Resettlement Plan Speaking about the project Andy reiterated how passionate he is about using his personal experiences to support veterans once they leave the armed forces - As a veteran of The 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment and Morson Forces Ambassador, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to transition from the armed forces into a normal, civilian life. Ex-forces personnel have a lot to offer in the civilian world, often in ways they won’t immediately realise. It is my aim to bridge the gap between these two worlds so veterans are ready to become skilled, sought-after candidates ready to transition into work. One of the main things I noticed when appearing at career transition events as a Morson forces ambassador is the language barrier between ex-forces personnel and the recruiters who are looking to help them. This guide is designed to offer some help to veterans as they look to take their first steps in the civilian world. In particular, I’ll walk you through some of my top tips for preparing to leave the armed forces. I attend careers events with Morson across the country, so come along and we’ll help you take those first steps into your new life. Click here to get your copy of Andy's Resettlement Plan. Get #MoreFromMorson and search our latest jobs or to find out more about how Morson can support ex-forces personnel, visit our Morson Forces page.
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Morson Group have once again featured in this years' Sunday Times Top Track 100 in 77th place. The list features companies from across all industries, with Morson clients Sir Robert McAlpine and Mott McDonald among the engineering and construction companies making the list. This year saw Group revenue rise to £814million with sustained growth across the business. This has been achieved through a commitment to delivery from the Group's employees, the retention of key clients and several new business wins. Morson have retained our status as the UK's number one technical, rail and aerospace recruitment company. The Top Track report highlighted acquisitions as a key factor of the listing, citing invetment in a IT recruitment firm the Bridge and Canadian recruiter Strategic Infusion. Take a look at the list here. To find your next opportunity with Morson click here to search our latest jobs or find out more about our recruitment services.
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With large amounts of investment in infrastructure and a variety of major projects currently underway, there are fantastic welding jobs where you can gain valuable welding experience in the UK construction industry. With heavy investment in infrastructure, companies are currently recruiting for welders to work on company based projects and for time served welders to join client-based projects. Read below to find out more about the skills and experience you’ll need and to discover whether a welder career is the right fit for you. RATES £16-35k dependent on experience HOT SPOTS Hinkley Point C / HS2 QUALIFICATIONS ABC, City & Guilds, BTEC, NVQ What do welding jobs involve? Welders can work in a range of different industries and on a variety of projects. You could be working on large-scale projects such as commercial buildings or bridge structures or on smaller, more intricate work such as individual components in a production line or repair work. Welding jobs revolve around cutting, shaping and joining separate pieces of metal, alloys and composite materials like plastics together. You’ll utilise several different welding and joining processes to get the job done, including arc, TIG and MIG welding. You’ll need to read and interpret engineering instructions and engineers drawings, then follow these to cut materials into the necessary shapes and then weld them together. You’ll need to utilise precision measuring equipment to inspect and test all cuts and joints, ensuring a high degree of accuracy. What is a welder’s salary? A welder’s salary can vary, depending on the location, scale and nature of the project you’re working on, as well as from one employer to the next. Starting out, you can expect to receive a salary of between £16,000 and £19,000 per year, with this rising to between £20,000 and £30,000 as you gain more experience and progress in your career as a skilled welder. The most experienced welders – those in senior or specialist positions at the peak of their career – can often earn up to £35,000 per year. Self-employed welders can set their own rates, meaning your annual salary may vary. These figures are intended as a guideline only and actual salary figures may vary. What skills do I need? As a welder, you’ll need an excellent eye for detail and the ability to understand and follow complex technical engineering plans. Due to the nature of the work, good levels of hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are essential, as well as general physical fitness. In terms of previous experience, Maths and arithmetic skills are also important to enable you to work out measurements and angles, and ensure wasted materials are minimised. You’ll need knowledge of various welding techniques and health and safety procedures, and be confident working both on your own and as part of a wider team. What qualifications do I need? There are a number of welder qualifications, one of the most common routes into a welding career is through an apprenticeship. This gives you the opportunity to earn practical experience and learn the skills needed for your career, all while being paid. To gain entry to an apprenticeship scheme, you’ll usually need at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or higher, including Maths, English and Science. After completing an apprenticeship, you could then apply for a role as a trainee welder to gain further experience. Alternatively, you could choose to gain a specific welding qualification, such as the ABC Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Practice, City & Guilds Certificate in Welding and the BTEC National Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering (Welding and Fabrication). Once you are working, there are a number of NVQs you can study to further your training, including: Fabrication and Welding Engineering – levels 2 and 3 Performing Engineering Operations – levels 1 and 2 Fabrication and Welding – level 3 You’ll need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card if you’re going to be working on a building site. What are the hours and conditions? In a full-time role, you can expect to work between 35 and 50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. However, shift work is also common and you may be expected to work overtime on evenings and weekends, as and when the project requires it. The conditions you work in can vary depending on the industry or project you’re working on, but you can expect it to be hot, noisy and dirty. You may have to work in cramped spaces, or outside in all weather conditions. Protective equipment, such as gloves, face-shields, helmets and boots are essential, with some roles also requiring safety harnesses. Career progression With enough experience and additional training, there are a number of different routes for progression in welding jobs, providing you with fantastic opportunity for development. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort you could advance to become a foreman, supervisor or workshop manager. You could also move into testing, inspection or quality control. Areas of specialism Talented welders are in high demand across multiple sectors, and because most welding skills are transferable, you have a lot of options when it comes to specialising in a specific area – from civil engineering and construction to shipbuilding and vehicle manufacturing. To search for opportunities across the sector click here. Or, browse our dedicated HS2 and Hinkley Point C pages for more information.
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The Nuclear Industry Skills Panel
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