Year of Award - 2014

Background
Born and schooled in Grimsby, I had a passion for aviation and had career aspirations of becoming a pilot in the Royal Air Force. Whilst attending Franklin College, Grimsby, to obtain A-levels, recruitment for pilots was halted. Upon looking for other career paths, such as University studies, I came across apprenticeships at Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery Limited in Lincoln. Comparing the University open days with my experience through the recruitment at Siemens, it wasn't until I was waiting for my interview that I realised what route I wanted to follow. After initially being offered a reserve place, I was fortunate to secure a firm contract with Siemens to begin my apprenticeship in August 2012.

The four year apprenticeship began by spending the first year at Lincoln College with four days a week gaining practical experience, with the other day studying for a HNC in Manufacturing Engineering. During the second year, I was welcomed back into the business to conduct 3 month placements around various areas of the business, whilst completing my HNC. In addition to this, my second, third and fourth years of the apprenticeship would be used to complete a Level 3 NVQ in Engineering Technical Support. Due to the educational culture at Siemens, I was encouraged to attend University for my career progression, which is being sponsored by the company.

Course of degree study
I am reading for a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lincoln on a 5 year part-time basis.

Work role
Whilst reading, I will be working as an Assistant Engineer in the Compressor Rotor department within Core Engineering, which I secured upon completion of my apprenticeship in 2016. This role assists in the mechanical design of new gas turbine components, developments of enhancements to existing products and rectification of product faults.

This role also provides technical support to manufacturing sourcing and service functions. Working in a multi-discipline team (aerodynamics, rotor-dynamics and stress engineers), I assist in the design of Compressor and Rotor components (Discs, Shafts, Casings, Couplings, Blades and Vanes, Bearing Housings, Seals and associated assembly tooling). I perform tasks in compliance with relevant company operating procedures and work instructions. I work with more senior staff, producing work that complies with technical specifications and guidelines, create and amend 3D CAD models (UG/NX) of components and assemblies, produce component drawings and material build lists as required.

Achievements
Throughout my engineering career, I have successfully been awarded a Whitworth Scholarship. I was also awarded runner up for the Brian Hildrew Apprentice of the Year Award. This was a notable achievement to conclude my apprenticeship with. On completion of my apprenticeship, I was also awarded EngTech Member status within the IMechE and continue to be thoroughly involved with a local IMechE Young Member panel.

Aspirations & plans
My aspirations within my career are to develop my knowledge and become a technical expert within my department. My aim is to be a known and primary contact for consultation about any production issues with the design for a variety of compressor rotor components. I will begin my application for IEng upon completion of my degree, whilst pushing for further learning to MEng level. This will then allow me to apply for CEng status, which is my ultimate goal.

I aspire that upon completion of my degree to graduate as a Whitworth Scholar in 2019.

Benefits of the Award
One of the noted benefits to the Whitworth Award is the financial value that is given as part of the award. However, upon gaining the award, the financial value is just a drop in the ocean to the benefits of the Whitworth Award.

As an award holder, you are invited to the Whitworth Societies events throughout the year. These events allow excellent networking opportunities with inspirational engineers across a range of industries within engineering. It is eye-opening to see how far and wide engineers impact the world, when you hear the amount of areas that they are engaged in.

There is also the opportunity to visit different engineering companies as part of the President's summer visit. I find these visits incredibly interesting and highly educational as it allows me to understand the different industries that engineers can be a part of.

My impression / experience of the Whitworth Society
The Whitworth Society is an extremely prestigious society that I am honoured to be a part of. The calibre of the members within the society is a testament to how distinguished the society is. Despite how prestigious the society is, all of the members are incredibly friendly and approachable, and I have always felt welcomed. There are many inspirational stories that come from the Whitworth society and to which I am able to thrive from and which is continuing to motivate me throughout my career.