Education and qualifications:
• BEng (Hons) Fire Engineering (First Class)
• Bond Solon Advanced Professional Certificate in Investigative Practice
• SFJ Level 5 Certificate in Fire Investigation
• Professional Certificate in Fire Investigation
• Professional Certificate in Fire Safety and Building Design (Building Regulations and Complex Buildings)
• Professional Certificate in Incident Command in Fire and Rescue Services
Job title: Senior Fire Engineer
Employer: Tenos
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Whilst working in the Fire and Rescue Service within the fire protection department, I had the opportunity on several occasions to engage with Fire Engineers on various projects. Through this engagement, I developed an appreciation for the broad expanse of knowledge that fire engineers have and decided that I wanted to expand on the fire safety basis that the Fire and Rescue Service had provided for me. In addition, being an engineer also satisfies my inquisitive mind. I knew that becoming an engineer would provide me with opportunities to be involved from concept to delivery of projects and be part of a team involved in ensuring that current buildings are safer.
Please describe your current role.
I currently work as a senior engineer. This role provides me with the opportunity to act as a project manager and as a project engineer. The projects can be challenging where professional expertise is required and accuracy and detail are paramount. I also mentor graduate engineers and help them along their career paths.
In what ways has IFE membership and registration benefitted your career?
Having the post-nominals IEng and MIFireE after my name demonstrates to colleagues, peers, clients, and external organisations that I have undertaken an independent assessment of my competence and that I am committed to my profession.
Can you describe a typical working day?
Not many of my days are typical. The projects I tend to be involved with provide new and challenging issues constantly. Most recently, most of my projects have involved assessing building construction internally and externally, including external wall facades. The work has involved site visits to a broad range of building types, identifying issues, advising clients and subsequently reviewing and monitoring contractors’ installations with regards to construction, workmanship, and compliance. These visits are followed by office work writing and presenting concise informative client reports and plans.
Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
Due to the wide range of building types and projects I work on, coupled with the fast-changing environment of fire engineering and fire safety, there are constant challenges that require constant learning. However, one of the most challenging problems I face is to advise on remediation of fire protection arrangements and installations in existing buildings where access can be extremely difficult.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
The challenges and having to research and on occasions think ‘outside the box’ to achieve satisfactory outcomes. In addition to this, I enjoy my office working environment where I am constantly learning from peers or assisting colleagues on projects with my own knowledge. Tenos is a very learning orientated environment where everyone will find time to help each other. Being a part of this team and working ethos makes my job satisfying and enjoyable.
Is there a great professional achievement that you would like to tell us about?
During my Fire Service career, I had many occasions where I was proud of what I achieved, such as saving lives in fires or car accidents from an operational viewpoint to passing relevant courses within that profession such as fire investigation and incident command from an academic viewpoint. However, passing the BEng with First Class Honours whilst balancing work, study and home life is one of my proudest achievements and of course being accepted as an Incorporated Engineer is most definitely one of my highlights.
What contributed to your decision to become professionally registered?
Being a part of the IFE and gaining professional registration provides me with the confidence to continue to challenge myself. Gaining professional registration demonstrates that I have reached a standard that is acknowledged by my peers and provides clients with confidence in my professionalism. In addition, the support provided by Tenos also made the decision to pursue Incorporated Engineer registration so much easier.
How does your employer benefit from your professional registration and membership?
My company has seen my professional registration as a huge benefit and supported me throughout. It demonstrates my competence and commitment both internally and to external clients that I have satisfied a rigorous assessment of my engineering competence and provides Tenos creditability that it employs the highest standard of engineers.
Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering joining the IFE?
Do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I would say though, being organised and planning ahead helps, keep your CPD up to date and make sure you write down your involvement in projects as they occur. Also do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it from someone that has been through the process or from the IFE.
Do you participate in any other career-related activities?
I volunteer for and support a company mentoring program, I think it is vitally important to support up and coming engineers. Hopefully, with my experience, including within the fire service, I can bring an additional perspective to the program.