Institution news
Jose Garteizgogaeascoa Foraster - Volunteer of the Year 2017
Jose’s work as Chair of the Iberia Group has been transformational for Iberia. Christian Young, Vice-Chair of the Young Members Board (YMB) and one of the reviewers of the YM Awards, said: “It is clear that Jose has had an immeasurable impact on the panels and committees.”
Jose works for Trigo Group and joined the Iberia Committee in 2012, becoming its Chair in 2016. In his role, Jose has transformed the Iberia Group’s reach and the committee’s output, and is making a difference to the presence of the Institution in the Europe Region and international committees.
One of his major achievements has been to champion Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) in Iberia. In 2017, thanks to Jose’s drive, the European SOFE Final was held in Seville, running in parallel with the European Committee Meeting, which he volunteered to host. He has enabled Student Chapters to grow and thrive by resolving some complex challenges they faced; and developed the Formula Student Learning Experience, which has been held annually in universities across Spain since 2012.
Jose said: “Supporting the Institution outside the UK is a tough job for volunteers, but awards like this one remind you that you are not alone and that all the time you invest is worth the effort.”
Charanya Venkatesan-Crome - Developing Engineer of the Year 2017
Charanya is pursuing her PhD in aeroelasticity at Imperial College while also excelling in her challenging role as a part-time vehicle simulation engineer at Williams Advanced Engineering. The YM Awards panel praised her commitment, saying: “Charanya’s level of achievement and responsibility demonstrate that she is already recognised as an emerging leader in her field.”
Charanya has an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering (First Class Honours) from Imperial College London. She is active on the Thameswey YM Panel and was recently elected International Representative for the YMB, intending to make sure the voices of young engineers are heard in the international arena.
When leading a project she ensures that others have the opportunity to learn too, to better enhance their own skills.
Charanya said,
"I'm really happy to have been awarded developing engineer of the year. I have worked extremely hard in my career to date, doing what I love, and appreciate the recognition of my peers. This award motivates me to continue my professional development and to inspire young people into a career in engineering."
Stephen Welsh – Young Member Visionary 2017
When asked to describe the accomplishments that Stephen, a Design Engineer working with TechnipFMC, had made, Christian said that Stephen’s achievements illustrated, “his clear technical ability and outstanding leadership skills.”
Stephen graduated with Distinction from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh in 2016 with a Master’s degree in Industrial (Mechanical) Engineering. He is following a Monitored Professional Development Scheme towards chartership with the Institution, and was promoted in half the usual time.
He encourages innovation and collaboration amongst his peers, which in turn enhance his company’s business outcomes. He has implemented impressive ways of working, in one instance delivering a prototype on time and using only 67% of the budget. Stephen receives excellent feedback from a cross-section of company areas, commending him for commitment, effort, customer satisfaction and the high quality of work that his team produces.
As a volunteer with his local YM Panel , he helps to plan and facilitate local events aimed at helping students transition into industry. Keen to tell his story, Stephen is visiting his former primary school, a valuable opportunity to inspire the engineers of the future.,/p>
He said:
“I am delighted to receive this award, it is the biggest achievement in my career to date. I know it will only motivate me further to continue working hard on my development.”
Find out more about the Young Member of the Year Awards.