There are many benefits to being an EngTech, both for technicians and the companies they work for.
Engineering Technicians can gain a professional status that is recognised by the worldwide engineering community, enhancing their career prospects in the long term. For the companies that promote EngTech, it’s a great way to motivate and retain qualified and experienced staff, demonstrate commitment to life-long learning and show potential clients that they employ the highest calibre of technicians.
Natalie Baines EngTech MIMechE is a Mechanical Designer at Nuvia in Warrington, and last year she was the Apprentice of the year with the National Skills Academy Nuclear.
She did her Apprenticeship at Training 2000 Blackburn, and is now studying part time for a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is working with a mentor and the Institution with the aim to become Chartered.
“I was always keen to do an apprenticeship,” she explains. “I had seen friends and family finish universly and struggle to find jobs that used their skills. So I thought that working whilst studying would remove that uncertainty. It meant I gained experience and knowledge at the same time, and it was the right route for me. I’m glad that apprenticeships are becoming more popular again, giving more people the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.”
As part of a ‘post apprenticeship’ development scheme, Natalie is currently working as a Commissioning Technician on a research and development rig, she also does risk assessments and health and safety checks. She is enjoying the hands-on practical side of the job, seeing how her designs perform in practice is very satisfying and she is gaining a lot of knowledge from it. “In the nuclear industry it is essential to test designs to ensure they are safe and that they operate to their design intent before putting them into service. We must iron out any problems in the test rig, no matter how minor, so that the design is fit for purpose. We have to get it right first time when it goes on to a nuclear site.” She enjoys working in a team, with different ages and levels of experience, and finds that they can all learn from each other.
When she was younger, she enjoyed designing, drawing and making models, this translated to engineering as she grew older. She now tries to attract more young people into the profession through the STEMNET scheme. “I have volunteered to work in my local high school running workshops and presentations. As part of the workshops, we asked the children to turn 2D drawings into 3D models. It was a very interactive workshop and the students really enjoyed it, so much so that some went on to apply for apprenticeships with Nuvia.”
“I don’t think many people have a good understanding of what engineering is,” says Natalie. “It doesn’t have to be dirty and physically demanding, there are lots of roles which are office based and need great design skills. There are many different routes that your career can follow; it’s a really flexible career.
“People used to learn and gain engineering skills by tinkering around with cars or general household items,that doesn’t really happen anymore. So we need schools to entice children into engineering at a young age, not just teach the standard subjects. Engineering is in everything we do, it’s an exciting, varied and fulfilling place to work.”
Natalie was thrilled to receive this award. “I was shocked but very happy at the same time”, she says proudly. “It is an honour to win the award – both for me and Nuvia. It’s really nice to be recognised and I would like to thank the Institution, Nuvia and all the colleagues I have worked with for all their help and support. Without them the knowledge and experience I have gained so far would not have been possible.”
Read about all the awards recognised at the Vision Awards