As Professional Development and Education Policy Advisor, Lydia is positioned within the Institution to provide oversight of the full education journey of an engineer. From developing policy positions on primary, secondary, and technical qualifications to providing insight for graduate schemes and professional registration, Lydia ensures there is coherent messaging from policy through to membership activities.
Lydia works with key stakeholders outside IMechE to identify gaps in the education landscape for both increasing those choosing to become engineers and equipping engineers to have the right skills for a successful career. She also works with the Education and Skills strategy Board to develop the education and skills strategy for the Institution.
In her role as Professional Development Advisor, Lydia works with the Membership, Accreditation and Professional Development Team to bring engineering counsel for decision making.
Lydia’s engineering journey started with the EDT’s Headstart programme, followed by a Year in Industry Placement at Delphi Diesel Systems (now known as BorgWarner). After completing an MEng in Mechanical Engineering at Brunel University, Lydia returned to Delphi, a Commercial Vehicle common rail fuel system manufacturer, as part of their graduate programme. Lydia completed placements within the Production, Control and Logistics Team, Manufacturing, Validation, and later became senior engineer within the Product Development Team. She also became a Chartered Engineer whilst at Delphi.
Lydia was an active volunteer for the Institution, firstly on the Manufacturing Industries Division Board, where she was part of a team to pioneer the Apprentice Automation Challenge. Lydia was also a member of the Young Members’ Board, becoming Chair in 2017.