From apprentice to hardware design engineer
Matthew Riddell, a former apprentice turned Junior Hardware Design Engineer at IET Enterprise Partner iconsys, discovered his passion for engineering as a child. Sharing his engineering journey below, Matthew emphasises the value of the apprenticeship route for aspiring engineers, offering both a valuable qualification and practical experience.
When did you decide to become an engineer?
Ever since my early years, I have always enjoyed taking things apart, especially if they are broken. There’s something very fascinating about taking an object apart, understanding its workings, and then getting the satisfaction of being able to fix it!
This curiosity and hands-on approach to understanding the workings of objects influenced my decision to go into a career in engineering.
How have you found your journey in engineering so far?
Reflecting on my career to date, I’d say, I have really enjoyed my journey so far. The hands-on aspect of panel wiring, coupled with the diverse projects I have worked on, have provided me with beneficial experiences and valuable insights, which have shaped my professional development. Each step has contributed to an understanding of my field and has positively influenced my engineering career path.
I am thoroughly enjoying working in the hardware design team at iconsys, and believe I am starting to make a real impact. It’s a great team.
What has been your biggest success in your career?
My biggest success to date has been the transition into the hardware design department at iconsys. The move into this department has required not only a shift in responsibilities, but the need to integrate into a new way of working. It has been a steep learning curve, testing my adaptability and pushing me to elevate my skills to meet the project demands and deadlines.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career?
Undoubtedly, the transition into the hardware design team has also been my biggest challenge in my professional journey. It has brought increased responsibilities and stretched my abilities, which is great. Navigating this change required not only an expansion of my skills set, but also an adjustment to the expectations and complexities inherent in the role. It has pushed me to not only excel in my technical abilities, but also to embrace the broader spectrum and strategic thinking that accompanies the position.
Are there any exciting projects on which you are currently working?
I am currently working on an interesting project for one of our customers in the construction materials industry, specifically around the processing of insulation.
The project's unique requirements have brought a refreshing dynamic to my work, fostering both professional growth and a renewed enthusiasm for tackling novel aspects within the engineering domain.
What advice would you give to young people looking at careers in engineering and technology?
For anyone considering an engineering and technology career, I would highly recommend exploring apprenticeships as an excellent entry point.
An apprenticeship not only provides you with valuable qualifications, but also offers real world experience that is indispensable in the field of engineering. This hands-on approach allows you to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, laying a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.
From my personal experience, the mentorship and guidance received during my apprenticeship significantly accelerated my learning and professional development.
What does the future look like and what are your goals?
Looking ahead, my goal is to become a fully-fledged Hardware Engineer, as I am currently a trainee.
A key focus of mine is to improve the quality of my engineering drawings, striving for excellence in my output of work. As I navigate the future, I am committed to continuous learning and professional growth, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the field of hardware engineering, and aligning my goals with the changes within technology and innovation. I am excited about the future.