Grabbing every opportunity with both hands
IET Associate Member Callum Coulthard’s interest in knowing how things work led him to pursue a career in engineering. His career path so far hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but his determined approach and open mind have led him to a role he loves at IET Partner HVSS.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
When I left school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do.
I’ve always had an interest in knowing how things work, I liked maths and enjoyed physics - so when I saw that my local college was doing an engineering course I thought “that would be interesting” and I haven’t looked back since.
Can you describe your career in engineering so far?
It has been rocky since I left college. I started as an Assistant CAD Operator then I had a break from engineering and ended up making fuel cells for racing cars. The long journey to and from work proved challenging and I spent a few months cleaning before finding a job as a CNC machinist, however, unfortunately, the company closed.
Following that, I went back to my roots as an AutoCAD Technician, drawing As-Laids for a water SLP (Self-Lay Provider) - but then COVID hit, and I ended up being made redundant.
Within a few months, I landed a role at HVSS as an AutoCAD Technician, once again drawing As-Laid plans. I progressed to an Assistant Design Engineer and within a year, became a fully-fledged Design Engineer focusing on electrical utilities. It is safe to say I now love where I am, and I am proud to be part of a great, supportive team and company.
What has been your biggest success in your career?
Among the many “successes” I would say my favourite would be when I had to redesign a large residential scheme, some 650 houses, due to several minor layout changes. I had been involved in the scheme early on, producing the first revision of the high-voltage cable route, but since then the original designer and junior designer had left the company.
It was the first “major” design project that I was responsible for and with truly little input from the other designers, I was incredibly happy and took pride in the fact that it only required a few minor tweaks before it was approved.
That was when I really started to believe that I understood what I had to do and how to do it.
What has been your biggest challenge in your career?
I have taken on a scheme recently which requires extensive diversions. This involved relocating quite a few existing assets for the construction of a new large commercial development.
The sheer number of cables crossing paths and interlinking with each other had me scratching my head for a few hours every day until it slowly started clicking into place. This was one of my proudest moments when it was approved. I could take a deep breath and move on to the next challenge, having gained both experience and confidence.
Are there any exciting projects on which you are currently working?
Other than the commercial scheme, I have luckily been given the opportunity to work on a few less challenging schemes!
I have requested the responsibility to work on an exceptionally large residential scheme which we have a high chance of winning, but I will have a few months to wait before I get to dive into that one.
For now, it is just getting on with the day-to-day ‘bread and butter’ schemes that keep our business operating.
How has your IET Membership helped you?
I really enjoy the magazines. They are full of everything you could need to stay in touch with the changing world of engineering, covering revelations from current technology to what could be possible in the coming years. Nothing helps you develop an understanding like a good conversation about something you read the night before.
What does the future look like and what are your goals?
All the way through my somewhat rocky employment history, I’ve always wanted to get back to engineering and now I’ve got to where I am, I don’t see myself ever wanting to do anything different. There is always something to learn or a better way to do things and it’s only a matter of time before something interesting pops up that I want to know more about.
I finished a course back in the summer which allowed me to sign off low voltage designs and I believe the next step will be to do a higher-level course so I can sign off high voltage designs, so that is in my plan for the near future. In the next few years, I hope to be able to learn water utility design and move towards being a multi-utility designer.
My long-term career goals include getting to the level of Senior Design Engineer and becoming a member of the team that guides and inspires the new designers coming through the ranks. I would like to offer back the leadership and support that I have been shown to others.
Do you have any advice for those looking for their first role in engineering and technology?
Do not be afraid of getting stuck in, it is not just about your qualifications but how much you want to want to achieve and having confidence in your abilities. Always be willing to share what you know and ask questions when you do not know.
I have always found that I enjoy what I do when I have a target or goal just over the horizon. When I started as an Assistant Designer, I did not know much beyond the very basics and now I support the other Assistant Designers by sharing my skills and knowledge in how to do the best job. It is a matter of grabbing every opportunity with both hands, making the most of it and being open to learning and changes within the industry.