Educations and qualifications:
CODNCO1 - Changeover Domestic to Commercial, BPEC
GAS ACS - CCN1, CEN1, CKR1, DAH1, HTR1, WAT1, CPA1, NICEIC
Water Regs, BPEC
Flammable Refrigerants (A2L, A2 & A3) – FLA01, BESA
Refrigeration Pipework & Brazing, BESA
Low Temperature Hot Water Heating Systems, BPEC
Domestic Heat Pump Systems (Non-Refrigerant Circuits) Mapped, BPEC
NVQ Level 3 Gas Services Installation & Maintenance, City & Guilds
A1 Assessor, City & Guilds
NVQ Level 4 Management, Chartered Management Institute

Job title:
Senior Training Manager

Employer:          
Ideal Heating

What/who inspired you to become an engineer?
Like many young people, I was unsure what career path I wanted to take when I left school. I have always enjoyed practical subjects and project-type work rather than sitting exams and writing essays.

Having achieved good GCSE grades, I had several options available to me. Instead of pursuing A levels and a university degree like my sister, I decided to pursue an engineering apprenticeship, where I could earn money while gaining valuable job experience and learning a trade and additional qualifications. My father played a big part in my decision, supporting me with several apprenticeship applications and driving me to sit many entrance exams and job interviews. 

Please describe your role within the workplace.
As a senior training manager, I lead, coach and mentor our team of technical training managers, and am responsible for driving the performance and continuous improvement of our Expert Academy training facilities and training delivery at our sites across the UK. I work on projects with other teams and departments within the business, as well as external awarding bodies, to support the operations and people within our Expert Academy and develop third-party training sites.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
The most challenging aspect of the role is keeping on top of the ever-evolving technical changes going on within the gas and renewables industry. The job can also involve a lot of hours and extensive travel but can be very rewarding.   

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role? 
The most enjoyable part of my job role is the wide variety of work and the people I meet during a typical working week. I get the opportunity to work across different teams and departments on projects and interact with various candidates each week when I am delivering training.

What is the biggest career highlight or achievement you’re most proud of? 
My biggest career highlights include gaining my management and National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health qualifications, along with a range of technical qualifications across gas, oil and the renewable energy sector. More recently the planning, opening and development of our new state-of-the-art Ideal Heating Expert Academy training facility in Luton is a highlight.

Why did you choose to become professionally registered? 
Becoming an Engineering Technician (EngTech) was an important part of my professional development journey as it demonstrates my dedication to career development and my engineering competence and commitment. My employer also benefits from my professional registration as it reassures the people that I train and work with.

I would recommend professional registration because…
It shows you have reached a certain level of competence and professionalism within your field. Registration proves that you are committed to personal development which helps with career progression. It also allows you to track your progress and provides access to additional guidance and support.

What career advice would you give to your younger self? 
Do not compare yourself with others, we are all on our own journey. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and you can use the strengths within your team to support your weaknesses and vice versa. Lastly, always strive to develop yourself and support others on their journey.

Do you participate in mentoring, volunteering, or membership of other engineering groups?
I am an active member of the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) members group, who organise events and meetings to share knowledge and experience within the industry. I also mentor others within my work team and provide onboarding support for new team members.

If relevant, please list three favourite projects you have worked on.

• Preparing and planning for our recent Office for Standards in Education, Children Services and Skills monitoring inspection, during which we received a significant progress grading.
• Setting up and opening our new Ideal Heating Expert Academy training site in Luton
• Leading on health and safety across our Expert Academy training sites