What first got you interested in engineering?
The realisation that there are so many experiences we take for granted which would be impossible without engineers to make them happen. Growing up, the more I read about the stories behind the inventions, the more impressive the scale of ambition and achievement seemed. As long as I can remember, I’ve been in awe of what engineers can do, and have wanted to be one.
Do you get a buzz out of completing a project because you’ve created something difficult?
We certainly work on complex projects at Atkins. Given the scale of some of these, we are often contributing one piece of a much bigger picture. But at the end there is huge satisfaction in being able to point to a component and say ‘I was involved in that’.
Although there are still feats of engineering today that are attributable to key individuals, I think it’s inspiring how teams across different companies can collaborate to allow complicated products to be created. Being a part of that is where the real buzz comes for me.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve worked on?
Biggest in physical terms? Well, I’ve worked on the A380 passenger aircraft. Most cutting-edge in terms of innovation would have to be the LiftSystem for the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. My most recent projects relate to powerplants and dockyard infrastructure in support of the UK submarine programme. I would definitely count these among my headline projects.
Were you always aware that you were good with technical subjects?
The rest of my family is more arts-focused but I always enjoyed maths and physics and studied both at A-level. I then did a year out before university on ICI’s sponsorship scheme which convinced me that a career in engineering would be full of interest.
It was a broad introduction, including placements on various process plants. I worked with chlorine, caustic soda and cyanide – and I learnt a lot about safety culture as a result. We were given academic tuition but also workshop training in welding, machining and fitting, which gave me an appreciation of the people who have these skills at a professional level. This side of the training was valuable. As an engineer, a practical understanding definitely helps.
What is a typical working day like for you?
I started off at Atkins as a stress analyst in our Bristol office and then moved to Derby. Recently I have specialised in project management, so I lead teams delivering to clients.
Development at Atkins combines experience in the field with the requisite training, so I have professional project management accreditation.
Part of the attraction of the project environment is that there is no such thing as a typical working day, as there is always something new coming up – some challenge to get to grips with.
What kind of projects might be on the horizon?
Atkins as a whole covers a real breadth of services, sectors and locations so there are many potential opportunities.
But at the moment I am really enjoying working on submarine-related projects and have plenty to learn. I’m looking forward to building on my knowledge and experience in this sector.
Do you regard it as a shame that there are fewer women than men working in engineering?
The fact there are fewer women in engineering is inevitable, given the historical background.
One of the biggest challenges today is recruitment into the profession – and 100% yes, we need more women in engineering.
My experiences have been entirely positive, and I’m very glad that I chose a career as an engineer.
What might be done to encourage more youngsters to become interested in engineering?
We have to get in at primary-school level to promote engineering. It’s great having after-school clubs and workshops – Atkins supports lots of initiatives working with Stem groups.
But my personal view is that the media also has a part to play in encouraging girls to explore and engage with mechanical technology from a very young age. We need to focus on girls – because they’re half of the potential workforce.