Patrick Fitzpatrick
This month’s employee spotlight features Patrick Fitzpatrick, a highly skilled machinist at Rainhouse whose journey began in the UK through a rigorous degree apprenticeship in mechanical design and CNC machining. With a deep appreciation for precision work and a knack for problem-solving, Paddy thrives on the unique and often bespoke projects that come through the shop. He is dedicated to continuous learning and brings a collaborative spirit to the team. He is always happy to trade ideas, troubleshoot alongside fellow machinists, or sneak in a guitar riff when the moment is right.
We asked Paddy a few questions to get to know him better, and here is what he had to say.
What do you do at Rainhouse?
I am a machinist; using a variety of machines to make high quality + geometrically precise components. I can work with milling, turning, CNC or manual.
What do you enjoy most about working at Rainhouse?
I love the small batch, sometimes very bespoke, jobs I get to work on. The whole culture at Rainhouse really is ace too, the team feel genuinely cohesive and everyone is in it together. The dogs around the shop are a bonus too.
What’s your favourite aspect of CNC machining?
I really enjoy the challenge of it. 90% of the job is either troubleshooting or using prior knowledge (that has been gained through prior troubleshooting) to turn a non descript bit of metal into a extremely precise component, it is really satisfying to overcome a problem or figure out a better way of doing a process.
How was the process or journey to become a certified machinist in the UK?
I did a “degree” apprenticeship back home. All in all I did 7 years of work/schooling to attain my HNC in mechanical design (with an advanced apprenticeship in CNC milling/turning entwined) so it was very cathartic when I completed it. One thing that has always stuck with me though is to always be open to learning, especially within the field of machining, you can never stop learning and I still feel like I learn a whole lot every week, this is another reason I enjoy working at Rainhouse, there are very knowledgeable people to learn from + bounce ideas off.
What is something most people do not know about you?
Been playing for about 15 years and I shred at guitar, currently bandless so the only people in Victoria that know are my (unfortunate) neighbours.
What is the ONE THING you cannot live without?
The ocean, specifically living near it. I have always lived very close to the ocean and when I first moved to Canada me and my partner lived about a 30-minute drive from the ocean and even this was too far for us. And on that note I also couldn’t live without my lovely fiancée Lizzie.