Starting Your Career in Lighting: A Day in the Life of a Trainee Lab Technician at The LIA
We sat down with Kyle Lindsey a recently appointed Trainee Lab Technician at The LIA, and asked him some questions about the beginning of his career.
He has been eager to apply his strong foundation in electrical installation. Kyle recently earned his Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installation and is passionate about staying current with the latest industry trends and technologies. He is committed to leveraging his skills to ensure high-quality work and contribute to The LIA’s success.
- Can you briefly introduce yourself and explain how you became a Trainee Lab Technician at The Lighting Industry Association?
- I started in Level 2 Electrical Installations and the offer was suggested to me by a Telford College tutor.
- What were your initial impressions of the lighting industry before you joined, and how have those impressions changed since starting at the LIA?
- I didn’t really have a previous impression; it was an unknown. I have come to realise what an important cornerstone lighting is to the British industry. I didn’t realise how many areas there are within lighting industry.
Learning and Development
- What has been the most challenging aspect of working in the lighting industry so far?
- It’s like learning a whole new language. I have sat in meeting with the lab team where half of the words coming out their mouth is just numbers. However, the team have made it as simple as possible, and I am slowly starting to talk in numbers too.
- What was the biggest thing you didn't know about the lighting industry before starting your role, and how have you addressed this knowledge gap?
- Before I started, I didn’t realise how many rules, standards, and regulations there are to adhere to. I am currently going through The LIA’s Online Learning Portal courses; they have been a big help understanding the structure of these.
- Can you describe a technical concept or process in lighting technology that you found particularly interesting or surprising?
- My current focus is on understanding the technical requirements for testing and certifying products to place on the UK market. It’s really been a welcome challenge. I can see myself in the future delving into things like photometry.
Practical Experience
- What has been the most enjoyable part of your job as a Trainee Lab Technician?
- There has not been any moment where I have been afraid to ask anything; no question is a stupid one, and I have never been made to feel so by asking. I have really enjoyed learning the processes for testing and approving products.
- Can you share an example of a project or task you've worked on that has given you a sense of achievement?
- As I am at the start of my journey, I haven’t taken ownership of a large project, but I have enjoyed assisting Seth and Kieran on their testing projects.
- How have you found the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application in your role?
- There is a vast field of theories and a lot of what ifs. it has been enjoyable to apply theoretical standards to practical products.
Industry Insights and Future Goals
- What trends or innovations in the lighting industry have caught your attention since you started?
- Being so new to the industry everything seems like a new trend, but I was quite taken aback by how much of an impact sustainability has on the sector. I am currently doing The LIA Introduction to Sustainability which has been eye opening, particularly LENI.
- How do you see your career developing in the lighting industry, and what are your goals for the next few years?
- I see myself gaining more knowledge so I can rise to an engineer level.
Reflection and Feedback
- Is there any advice you would give to someone considering a role similar to yours in the lighting industry?
- Be prepared for a dump of information, but don’t fear it; it’s help me see lighting in a very positive light.
- What support or resources have been most helpful to you during your training period?
- Being in the presence of The LIA team and engineers to ask any questions I may have without fear of consequence.
- Finally, how do you feel your role as a Trainee Lab Technician contributes to the overall mission of The Lighting Industry Association?
- My position at The LIA has helps Support Quality and Compliance and End to End Sustainability of products and of our members.
