Climbing the ladder31 August 2023

I believe that education is life-long. I am professionally registered to IEng. But I am now considering starting a master’s degree. Now that I work in site engineering team leadership, I am considering extending my competence.

Only a few weeks ago, A-level results were released. I did not go to university after college, although that was my original plan. Instead, I took a technical apprenticeship at a local refinery, having grown up in South Wales.

My company encouraged employees interested in further education to carry on, and I did. After multi-skilling with a second apprenticeship, I earned a BEng part-time while working, via the BTEC and HNC route (fortunately I didn’t have children at the time). The degree gave me useful mathematics and a grounding in problem-solving skills and techniques, as well as analytical thought processes. BTECs are now being replaced by T-Levels. Changes to vocational qualifications should continue to provide a pathway to higher qualifications in engineering, so that others can benefit as I did.

Looking back, I was fortunate to be supported at home and work with good mentors. My older sister was a big role model; after qualifying and working as a nurse, she returned to education to gain a diploma in nursing, while working at Great Ormond Street hospital.

Despite my many advantages, I could have used some help with signposting. I left school with an understanding of engineering, but didn’t appreciate its opportunities. Knowing more would have helped me make key decisions. And, more recently, I have seen young technicians for whom the route of development hasn’t been clear. Being able to provide guidance to them, as well as those who don’t benefit from a support network, would be a massive boost. Perhaps these are the sort of tasks that we as SOE members should be looking to develop. I am sure that we could make a difference.

Steve Rees, chair, Institution of Plant Engineers

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