The engineering world never stands still

Tom Austin TMIET is a Design Technician for IET Partner AGH Engineering Ltd, whose journey into engineering was sparked by a childhood fascination with understanding how things work. 

Recently having obtained EngTech status, below he shares his experiences in engineering so far, looking ahead to the future and contributing to a constantly evolving industry.

What inspired you to become an engineer or technician?

Can you describe your career in engineering so far?

Throughout my education I was always interested in maths and design, so for me a career in engineering was always a sector I wanted to pursue. I first started exploring engineering in high school, where I completed a BTEC and achieved a distinction at the end of the course.

I then undertook a Level 2 and Level 3 diploma at college, which ranged from learning about engineering technologies to performing engineering operations in the workshop. Throughout my time at school and college I have had many challenges along the way, however by learning and developing my skills, I feel I have become a better engineer because of them.

What has been your biggest success in your engineering journey?

One pivotal milestone in my career journey so far involved producing a design for some Tunnel Lighting throughout a railway tunnel in London. This design demanded a comprehensive application of my technical abilities, alongside encompassing a thorough understanding of illumination engineering, photometric analysis, and compliance with railway safety standards.

The project intricacies included the introduction of advanced lighting fixtures, taking into account factors such as illuminance levels, uniformity, and glare control to ensure optimal visibility and safety within the tunnel environment. As part of this scheme, I narrated and produced the technical materials forming a detailed design which proposed the replacement of approximately 4.5km of lighting circuits within the tunnel.

This was a great steppingstone in my development as an engineer, as it was one of the first major schemes that I worked on. The design achieved acceptance by the client with no comment amendments made before implementation.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?

From a technical aspect a challenge I had recently was to locate and identify some assets along a stretch of railway which are utilised to supply further infrastructure along the railway network. It was a challenge to locate these as a lot of record information for the infrastructure was out of date.

A solution that I was able to develop for this issue was to utilise a piece of Network Rail software to watch pre-recorded videos from the front of train cabs, allowing me to identify where these assets were along the railway route. Initially I thought this task was going to be difficult as I had never undertaken anything like it before, however as I worked my way through using the consistent process I developed, the task at hand became clearer and I was able to complete the task successfully.

Are there any exciting projects you are currently working on?

A project I have recently started is the decommissioning and upgrading of Neville Hill Railway depot, located to the East of Leeds Railway Station. The scope of this scheme encompasses providing new welfare, office spaces and accommodation facilities at the depot, with further technical specifications involving the integration of an on-site gym and new training facilities. For the design, new lighting calculations for the proposed facilities need producing, alongside high-level calculations for heating, ventilation, and cooling.

Another project I’m progressing is the designs for new warning system technologies at various locations in the London area. This advanced warning system is specifically tailored to facilitate the safe access and egress of rail staff from on-track assets, predominantly situated at intricate railway junctions. The technical aspect of providing these new systems involves a detailed site layout to be produced of the area, supported by a high-level electrical schematic detailing the proposed works to be undertaken.

What does the future look like and what are your goals?

In the future I’m aiming to achieve a Design Engineer role AGH Engineering, alongside developing my studies. I am undertaking a combined HNC/HND course in Electrical and Electronic engineering which is helping me develop my knowledge as well as strengthening my theoretical and time management aspects of the learning process.

I’m striving to become the best engineer I can by continuing to explore different sectors and improving my technical skills. After recently being successful with my EngTech Professional Registration application, I am now focused on the ambition of applying for IEng status in the future.

As a result of my effort, I hope that I can also not only develop myself, but also help others enhance their skills in engineering - whether that be overseeing a project they are working on or providing mentoring for day-to-day challenges.

Do you have any advice for those looking for their first role in engineering and technology?

I would suggest that people that are looking at getting into engineering consider the apprenticeship route.

With an apprenticeship you not only learn on the job, but you also gain valuable skills by going out in the real world and communicating with clients and customers. Although gaining an apprenticeship can be a difficult achievement, I would suggest applying for every role you are interested in and hopefully you will be successful.

Undertaking volunteering or work experience opportunities where available within the engineering sector also provide valuable benefits to embarking on a career as an engineer.

How has your IET Membership helped you in your engineering journey?

Since becoming a Technician Member of the IET I have taken opportunities to join a wide range of different seminars and receive assistance with my EngTech application.

As a company, having the IET hold a virtual or in person discussions with myself and colleagues has given valuable guidance in terms of my ongoing and future applications for Professional Registration.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your career in engineering?

My journey within engineering so far has been a very rewarding and interesting adventure. From the early days at school, to the more complex challenges I face today, each step has been a lesson in engineering and technology problem solving.

One of the specific aspects I enjoy most about engineering is the requirement for constant development, innovation, and competence progression. The engineering world never stands still, and being a part of the industry that surrounds us in all different ways is an interesting and exciting prospect!