Matthew Chapman CEng FIMechE

I began my career in the REME as an Apprentice Armourer more than 20 years ago and have since served globally in various engineering appointments.

I joined the Institution in 2013 when attached to the Bloodhound SSC project. I have found professional registration to be extremely important in my career, particularly when leading on engineering failure or accident investigations with defence-level significance where I frequently had to deal with external agencies, often in pressurised situations. Being professionally registered meant I had been assessed and proven to uphold the standards of the engineering profession, instilling a greater level of trust.

I have recently finished the final year of an Open University MSc in Engineering which via the Further Learning route enabled me to satisfy the necessary academic requirements for CEng status. My research, focussed on topology optimisation, and was supported by the IMechE via an educational grant. The grant process was extremely straightforward, the awards team provided fantastic support, and the grant has ultimately enabled me to complete my MSc.

I act as a Professional Review Volunteer, interviewing both IEng and CEng applicants to the Institution. This keeps me engaged in selecting the best engineers for professional registration and is a fantastic CPD opportunity for me. I regularly attend free lectures at Birdcage Walk and regionally, along with using the library at the Institution. They are a fantastic facility for members.

For young engineers, the earlier they join the Institution the sooner they will have access to the resources, events and networks that can support and guide their continuing professional development.