A Q&A with Aaron Wan, Product Design Intern at Manthorpe Building Products

At Manthorpe Building Products, we’re always excited to support the next generation of talent in the building products and construction industry.

Our internship programme is designed to provide young professionals with hands-on experience, allowing them to develop their skills and make a real impact.

Recently, Marketing Executive, Jessica Butler, sat down with Aaron Wan, our Product Design Intern, to discuss his journey so far. Aaron’s story highlights the value of practical experience and the exciting opportunities that come with being part of a dynamic team. Here’s what he had to say:

1. Aaron, how long have you been working at Manthorpe Building Products?

I’ve been working here since August 2024.

2. Can you describe the role you have taken on during your internship at Manthorpe?

As a Product Design Intern, I’ve been working on two main design projects that involve creating prototypes and refining existing ideas. Throughout these projects, I’ve been using CREO for CAD modelling, improving my skills in 3D printing, and visualising my designs in Blender3D. It’s been a great opportunity to apply what I’ve learned at university in a professional setting.

3. What aspect of your role at Manthorpe do you enjoy the most, and why?

The best part of my role is definitely working with CREO. I’ve learned so much about how to use it effectively for product design. It’s amazing to take an initial idea and transform it into something that can be tested with 3D prints or turned into a visualisation render. It’s a really fulfilling process, and it excites me every time I see my concepts come to life.

4. What skills or knowledge have you gained during your internship so far?

I’ve gained a solid understanding of injection moulding design, which is something I hadn’t fully explored at university. I’ve also had the chance to use Fortus 3D printers for prototyping and learned how important tools like these are for creating accurate models. On top of that, learning how to conduct patent research has been a great addition to my skill set.

5. How has your experience at Manthorpe helped you develop both professionally and personally?

On a professional level, working at Manthorpe has given me an in-depth look at how a company runs, from meetings to project documentation, which is very different from university projects. Personally, I feel much more confident in my abilities and have improved my presentation skills. I’m more comfortable presenting my ideas and communicating with colleagues.

6. Can you share any projects or tasks you’ve worked on that have allowed you to learn something new?

Every project I’ve worked on has involved some kind of new research, which has been incredibly exciting. I’ve learned things I didn’t expect to, like new materials and concepts that weren’t part of my studies. It’s rewarding to dive deep into a specific subject and apply that knowledge to real-world design challenges.

7. How do you manage the balance between your internship responsibilities and your studies?

I’m not currently studying while working at Manthorpe, which has allowed me to fully focus on my internship. This has been great because I can dedicate all my attention to the projects and challenges I’m working on, and I’ve been able to gain so much more hands-on experience than I would have been able to do while balancing coursework.

8. How do you feel about your progression at Manthorpe so far?

I’m really happy with my progress. The work I’ve done here has already surpassed the scope of my university projects, especially in terms of creating prototypes and testing them. The hands-on experience has helped me grow much faster than I anticipated, and it’s been a fulfilling journey so far.

9. How would you describe the work culture at Manthorpe?

The culture at Manthorpe is supportive, collaborative, and inclusive. Everyone is willing to help and provide constructive feedback, which makes it easy to improve and evolve in my role. I’ve found that it’s a great environment for innovation and creativity, and I’m encouraged to bring new ideas to the table.

10. What are your career goals after completing your internship at Manthorpe?

My career goals haven’t changed—I still want to work in a role that allows me to use CAD and product visualisation. My experience at Manthorpe has made me even more confident that this is the right path for me, and I’m excited to continue developing my skills in the building products and construction industries.

11. How has your internship prepared you for your future career?

This internship has really set me up for success. I’ve gained a wealth of practical experience, built my self-confidence, and developed key skills like presentation and collaboration. I now feel well-prepared to join a team and contribute to future projects with the knowledge I’ve gained.

Ready to start your career in the building products industry?

Whether you're looking to intern, apprentice, or simply find out more about the exciting work we’re doing at Manthorpe Building Products, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch today and discover how we can help you take the next step in your professional journey.