IET Engineering and Technology Technician shortlist
Calum Melrose AFHEA EngTech MIMechE MSOE MIRTE
Calum Melrose AFHEA EngTech MIMechE MSOE MIRTE is an Engineering Technician based at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering. He is shortlisted for his dedication to his role managing the mechanical engineering teaching laboratory. He oversees the day-to-day operations of the mechanical teaching lab, managing space coordination, equipment availability, and consumables to meet rigorous teaching and research schedules.
He supports the university open days by preparing exhibits and delivering demonstrations and talks within the teaching lab.
David Moody BEng (Hons) PGCE FHEA
David Moody BEng (Hons) PGCE FHEA is a Senior Technician in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering department at Swansea University. He is shortlisted for his involvement in moving the faculty of Engineering at Swansea University moved from its historic site to a post-industrial site at a new Campus 5 miles away. This necessitated a complete rebuild and re-equipping of the laboratories, he reviewed the requirements for the new labs and meticulously researched fittings and equipment.
David encourages professional engagement by involving students in IET activities and promoting IET membership.
Dr Paddy Porter
Dr Paddy Porter is a Technical Planning and Development Manager within the School of Engineering at Ulster University, where he leads technical strategy, operational planning and the development of engineering services. Alongside his role, he redesigned the induction process for new engineering students, recognising that the old model was no longer fit for purpose. He also recognised the need for a redesign of the Personal Development Planning process which was fragmented and unable to support students or staff effectively.
Paddy champions technician recognition, mentored colleagues, and played a key role in STEM outreach activities to help inspire the next generation of engineers.
Ellie Owens EngTech TMIET
Ellie Owens EngTech TMIET is a Reliability Engineer at Sellafield. She is shortlisted for leading the Plant Modification Proposal for a first-of-its-kind engineering solution that enabled delivery of a £1.5 million annual cost saving as well as improved compliance with nuclear site license conditions and more sustainable working practices within a high-hazard environment. She plays a key role in strengthening professional engineering standards across the organisation.
She is a STEM ambassador and supports outreach activities as well as participating in IET mentor and Professional Registration advisor training which enables her to support early career engineers through the registration process.
IET Engineering and Technology Apprentice shortlist
Freya Woollett
Freya Woollett is an Electrical Installation Design Engineer with Leonardo Helicopters, having recently completed her Mechanical Engineering Technician apprenticeship. She demonstrated exceptional commitment to engineering and the aerospace sector by going significantly beyond the expectations of the technician apprenticeship role through her leadership of the AeroWomen initiative. As Chair of the AeroWomen Committee, she identified the need to address the underrepresentation and retention of women in aerospace and took responsibility for transforming a small local event into a nationally recognised conference.
She is also a trusted ambassador for both Leonardo and the engineering profession at high-profile national and parliamentary events.
Madeleine Warburton
Madeleine Warburton is an Apprentice Offshore Wind Turbine Technician at RWE Renewable Energy. She is shortlisted for her strong and sustained commitment to engineering and technology through her involvement in WorldSkills UK, a widely recognised vocational skills competition alongside her fulltime apprenticeship, on-site activities and college studies. She competed against skilled apprentices and learners from across the UK, In 2024, she placed second nationally in the WorldSkills UK Renewable Energy finals and as a result she was selected for the Shanghai 2026 training cycle.
She is a mentor to students and speaks at national STEM and engineering events.
Tom Lamble
Tom Lamble is a Mechanical Degree Apprentice at Nuvia. He is shortlisted for his exceptional technical contribution to a complex engineering project focused on developing a scheme‑level solution for the dismantling, retrieval and processing of reactor systems and associated components. Recognising the importance of meaningful STEM engagement, he made a significant organisational contribution by leading the development and delivery of a structured work experience programme, taking responsibility well beyond the expectations of his role.
Armed Forces Technician Award shortlist
Corporal Adam Page
Corporal Adam Page is an Information Services Engineer with 16 Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals in the British Army. He is shortlisted for demonstrating exceptional commitment to engineering, technology, and professional development by leading initiatives that significantly enhanced the Regiment’s cyber capability. He planned and delivered the Regimental Cyber Preparation Training Camp in support of Army Cyber Spartan, helping to develop and prepare personnel for competitive cyber challenges.
Corporal Page consistently acts as a positive and influential figure within the engineering and cyber community, encouraging others to develop technical skills and consider engineering pathways.
Corporal Kamal Chhantyal ICTTech TMIET
Corporal Kamal Chhantyal ICTTech TMIET is a Troop Corporal with 242 Gurkha Signal Squadron, 22 Signal Regiment, British Army. He is shortlisted for his role during a NATO exercise conducted in a highly challenging subterranean environment. He demonstrated exceptional technical leadership and innovation under pressure. Operating in confined, infrastructure-limited conditions, he was responsible for maintaining critical service delivery and ensuring uninterrupted operational capability despite degraded access, complex terrain, and time-sensitive demands.
He has also taken a proactive role in promoting the value of professional registration across 22 Signal Regiment and the wider Corps.
Sergeant Michael Peel FdSc CEng MIET
Sergeant Michael Peel FdSc CEng MIET is a Typhoon Mission Data Team Leader (Attack & Identification) with the Royal Air Force Coningsby. He leads a specialist team responsible for the generation and assurance of Attack Computer Mission Data for the RAF Typhoon Force. He is shortlisted for his pivotal role in advancing a mission data evaluation system used to analyse complex operational information. He recognised the system had significant potential for further optimisation and enhancement and personally took responsibility for driving its development alongside his core role.
After achieving professional registration himself, he went on to mentor others during their professional development journey.