Institution news
Institution of Mechanical Engineers member Lucy Austin has been awarded the 2018 Geoffrey Engert Award for Heating Ventilation and Air–Conditioning. Lucy said she was shocked to win the award, and is excited about the opportunities it can open up for her in the future, including the opportunity to complete a degree level apprenticeship once she finishes her EngTech qualifications.
“I was really shocked to be nominated for the award,” she said. “It means a lot to me that the work that I enjoy doing and find interesting is something that is recognised and praised.
“It is such a nice feeling to be nominated for awards like this, especially when it’s recognised by people who not only work with you but are huge institutions in the industry. I think it also gives you something to work towards which is over and above your role and can make you stand out in the future.”
For now, Lucy is working for a water park in the Middle East as part of a water master planning team predicting energy and water usage throughout the year and how external variables affect this.
Outside of the day-to-day challenges of work, Lucy said that she really enjoys how engineering has worked its way into her everyday life.
“The best thing about being an engineer is the new perspective I have on everyday life. I will walk into a building and quiz myself on the layout, ventilation strategies, heating elements and lighting arrangements.
“After being involved in the design of these same elements of a building, I find it fascinating to think about the different ways the HVAC design could have been implemented.”
Lucy added that she would definitely recommend engineering to young people looking into the sector as a possible career path, but that it was not for the faint-hearted.
“There is such a wide range of different types of engineering that you will always be able to find something that interests you,” she said. “And engineering really is the future – you could be involved in the creation and development of new tools that could change the world.
“The journey to becoming an engineer – whether you do it through university or down the apprentice route – is hard work. But the hard work is definitely worth it, and I enjoy the challenge.”
Geoffrey Engert Award for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning
Introduced in 2018, the Geoffrey Engert Award for Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning recognises excellence by an engineering technician in the field of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.
Made possible through a donation by Mrs. J Field, daughter of Geoffrey Engert and sister of engineers, Michael and Neil Engert, the award will be presented each year for the next five
For further information on the award itself and how to submit nominations, please email awards@imeche.org.