Process Industries Division
If you haven't met me before, my name is Jim Bridge, I'm a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institution.
I am the current chairman of the Process Industries Division and was previously the chair of the division's very successful Offshore and Upstream Engineering Committee, during which time I incorporated onshore Upstream interests within what had previously been the Offshore Committee
In my new role I see the IMechE taking a more pro-active role in the mentoring and development of younger engineers.
With both local and regional bases the Institution is best placed to provide for the needs of engineers.
Also, STEM skills are required in such a range of jobs and it is vital that young people understand and are aware of the opportunities and benefits of studying science and maths and of the advantages of an Engineering career.
Personally I was intent on being an engineer at an early age and was fortunate to be educated where this was valued. I was casting my first component, in bronze, at the age of 13.
I want to develop the roles and responsibilities of the Process Industries Division Board and ensure that these needs are properly represented.
Interaction with other Divisions’ and Groups within the IMechE, as well as external professional bodies that include the IET, IChemE, IOM3, SPE, UKOOG, Oil & Gas UK and others are all on-going activities that will benefit from further development. Increased dialogue with Government legislators and International bodies is vital.
The technical activity committees (TAC’s) are key to the success of the Division as are the Regional Centres, which provide lectures, seminars, conferences and others events for members. These must include a representative programme that will satisfy the Initial Professional Development (IPD) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. Invigorating and ensuring the sustainability of the TACs and regional centres is a key deliverable. New strategic plans include for increasing the number Process Centres into global locations.
The links between Regional activities and the HQ based TACs need attention and I encourage all committee members to connect with their regions.
In the coming year I want to urge the TACs to hold at least one of their three annual meetings in their home regions and to invite regional members.
My technical background is in rotating equipment. Firstly within the pump and compressor business on a global basis, then latterly with Caterpillar’s oil and gas division in Europe, Africa and The Middle East, until 2013. I was responsible for developing many solutions for the North Sea, from firewater pump packages to power generation. Onshore they included Internet data centre backup power and landfill gas power generation. More globally from pipeline pumps to power stations.
I hope you find the webpages for the Process Industries Division of interest and I would encourage you to get involved in our activities through the various opportunities described. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you would like further information.