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RAF Sergeant wins at national engineering and technology awards

Sergeant John Sinclair currently serving at RAF Coningsby has been named the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Armed Forces Technician award winner.

John is an Aircraft Avionics Technician currently working as an Engineering Project Manager at 41 Test and Evaluation Squadron. Following the completion of his training with the RAF he was posted to 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron as an Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic working on Merlin helicopters. In 2014 he was promoted to Corporal and posted to 41 TES; during his time there as an avionics supervisor he worked to deliver Typhoon aircraft to full operating capability. 

On promotion to Sergeant, he joined the Trials and Modifications Team, writing technical instruction for aircraft modifications as well as project managing engineering aspects of aircraft trials. He was tasked with finding an urgent modification to record wheel speed data for a Typhoon jet. Working alongside his normal workload, he presented an alternative solution less invasive and simpler option, taking the timescale down from 480 hours to only 80, ensuring the air system remained air worthy and the squadron was able to deploy on exercise on time.

On winning, John said: “I’m truly honoured to receive this award, to be recognised by the IET feels incredible. My work is only a small part of a much wider team effort, so I’d like to thank the Trials and Modifications Team, and everyone else at 41 TES, for the empowerment and support which has made this possible.”

Being presented this accolade at the IET’s Achievement Awards, these Awards exist to recognise individuals from all over the world who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of engineering, technology and science in any sector. This can be through research and development in their respective technical field or through their leadership of an enterprise.

Commenting on the Awards, IET President Dawn Ohlson said: “We’re proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals and their impact with our Achievement Awards. Each has demonstrated excellence in their field and made significant contributions as trailblazers to the sector. From our distinguished medallists to our exceptional apprentice and technician winners, their accomplishments reflect the very best of our profession and they are remarkable role models for the next generation.” 

The Achievement Awards are part of the IET’s Awards and Scholarships programme, which celebrate excellence and research in the sector and encourage the next generation of engineers and technicians. All IET awards seek to inspire and reward engineering excellence, including apprentices at the start of their careers, through to reputable, established professional engineers and technicians.

Find out more about the IET Achievement Awards.

 
ENDS

Notes to Editor

About the IET

  • We inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.     
  • We are a diverse home for engineering and technology intelligence throughout the world. This breadth and depth means we are uniquely placed to help the sector progress society.     
  • We want to build the profile of engineering and technology to change outdated perceptions and tackle the skills gap. This includes encouraging more women to become engineers and growing the number of engineering apprentices.    
  • Interview opportunities are available with our spokespeople from a range of engineering and technology disciplines including cyber-security, energy, engineering skills, innovation, manufacturing, technology, transport and diversity in engineering.    
  • For more information, visit www.theiet.org.    
  • Follow the IET on LinkedIn and Instagram via @TheIET / @InstitutionofEngineeringandTechnology.    

Media enquiries to:

Rebecca Gillick
External Communications & PR Lead
E: rgillick@theiet.org   

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