John Venner is currently studying Mechanical Engineering with Advanced Design & Innovation at the University of Bath.
What motivated you to become an engineer?
I have always been interested in maths and physics, and imagined that I would study these subjects at university. But I gradually realised that they were too theoretical for me and that I would like to be doing something more practical. I enjoyed fixing things around the home, such as the lawnmower, and liked my part time work in Halfords fixing bikes. Engineering seemed to be the answer!
Are you professionally registered?
I am a Student Affiliate of the Institution, and it was through one of their emails that I found out about grants to do volunteer work.
Tell us about your volunteer award
Following an industrial placement as part of my degree, I was keen to spend some time in a developing country putting my engineering skills to use. I found CECAM a small charity in Cochabamba, Bolivia, who took about 10 volunteers a year to work with local charities. It was run by Freddy Candia, a Bolivian man who sent volunteers to schools and hospitals, but I was chosen for my engineering skills.
I applied to the Institution to help fund my trip, and was thrilled that they awarded me £2,000 which help pay the expenses necessary for me to do volunteer work in Bolivia for two months.
What projects were you involved with in Bolivia?
I originally planned to work on solar ovens. Many Bolivian households cook inside their homes using wood as fuel. This contributes to deforestation, causes pollution and is inefficient. So we were installing new solar ovens to improve their living conditions and reduce the cost, to them and the environment.
However, when I got to Bolivia and was talking to the leader of the Charity, Freddie Candia, we got diverted on to a project reusing old bicycles! There are lots of old, abandoned bicycles in Bolivia and we used these to make new machines or to reuse the sound parts in a new bicycle.
And finally, I was involved in an eco-bathroom project which allowed schools to recycle waste into fertiliser using ash and rubbish, and no water.
What did you learn from your time in Bolivia?
Firstly, mechanical skills. I was working with my hands, using nuts and bolts, angle grinders and lathes, from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday for two months, and of course my practical skills improved significantly within that time.
Secondly, problem solving. Working on any project with limited resources, means you have to be creative. In this case, the resources were severely limited due to the location, lack of funds and simple lack of manpower.
Thirdly, my Spanish improved significantly. Before I left England I knew next to no Spanish, I received a B at GCSE and hadn’t used it since.
And finally, travelling to the other side of the world, on my own and working in a demanding job in a foreign language, in a foreign country means that I can cope better with anything that’s thrown at me!
What are your thoughts about engineering?
Engineering is about applying maths, physics and common sense to almost any problem. It is not as far removed from everyday experiences as people imagine.
Would you recommend engineering as a career?
I am 100% keen on engineering. If you enjoy maths and physics and have an interest in robotics, trains, space, tennis rackets or almost anything, you will find engineering fascinating.
Where would you like to be in five-years' time?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of engineering covered by my course, and during my work placements here and abroad. I find it difficult to choose one area of engineering to specialise in, so would really like to work in an engineering consultancy. Once I have broadened my experience, I would like to work for an NGO on disaster relief.
Do you have any advice for young students thinking about engineering as a career?
Do as many work placements as you can. Visiting different companies and countries is a real eye opener, and it’s important to see what engineering is like in the real world.
More information
Visit the
Sustainable Bolivia website for more details.
CECAM has now specialised in the bicycle projects. Visit the
Cochabamba Pedal Project website to find out more.