A passion for learning

James Read, a Lead Engineer at DE&S (Ministry of Defence) has taken learning further than many. He is on track to complete his PhD by 2026. Now a Fellow Chartered Engineer with IMechE, James explains how he got the bug for engineering after leaving school at 16.

“My dad, who’s now retired, has been an engineer for the entirety of his life, primarily working at Rolls Royce in Filton. This meant that in secondary school, I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity to attend a week’s work experience placement at the same site. I worked on four different sections: aerospace manufacturing, assembly of marine engines, thermal and structural analysis, and engine test.”

On leaving school James went to Filton College and took both the Level 2 and Level 3 National Diplomas in aerospace engineering. This allowed him to learn the theory as well as practical hand skills and how to read engineering drawings. He adds: “I had previously applied for an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce, but they seemed to want people with more experience.”

Towards the end of his Level 3 course, he applied for an apprenticeship at Avon Valley Precision Engineering, and was successful. They put him through an apprenticeship, where he learned manual milling, turning, grinding, and CNC work. “It was a good grounding and gave me exposure to high-tolerance aerospace manufacturing,” says James.

From there James moved to the National Composite Centre as a skilled machinist where he began to learn about different composite materials. James goes on: “I had the opportunity to learn CAD/CAM and I gained additional responsibility from the design team.” James also achieved his EngTech registration, but he felt there were not as many professional development opportunities offered to shop-floor workers. He therefore decided to move and took a role as Technical Through-Life Support Engineer in DE&S – the procurement arm of the MOD - based at Abbey Wood.

From there James has not looked back. His responsibilities have ranged from looking at the reliability, maintainability, and availability of future missile systems to modifying maritime platforms to successfully embark weapons systems for deployment. Now he is the lead engineer on two international weapons projects with responsibility for how the system can be proved safe and suitable for service.  He provides assurance to the chief engineer that both the proving and safety cases are robust, and can hold up under scrutiny by working with the regulators and the missile manufacturers to develop this assurance.

Not content with resting on his laurels, James started an MSc in 2018 alongside a busy job, and completed it in 2021.  Not having a Bachelor’s degree, James used the depth of learning within his Master’s modules and his in-work learning to apply for Incorporated Engineer through completing an Individual Further Learning Plan. He achieved IEng in 2020. He adds: “You can be a specialist in something, but you need the breadth of knowledge in order to demonstrate competence.”

From his time at school, when he says he “didn’t get on with a lot of subjects”, James has made a specialist subject of further learning.  Asked why he has continued to push forwards with his learning, James says: “I am interested in engineering, ever since building my own skateboards, bikes and going onto cars. If you find something that enthuses you – follow it.”

James has now taken his learning to another level. From completing his MSc in Explosives Ordnance Engineering he is now researching synthetic tissue simulants and how they can be used to test the effectiveness of body armour as part of his PhD.

Not only is James progressing with his own study, but he is a great supporter of other MOD engineers working towards professional registration. He is a Moderator within DE&S and reviews and guides applicants on their IEng and CEng applications. He is an active volunteer for IMechE and supports engineers who are keen on the Individual Further Learning Plan route to become accredited for IEng or CEng. He adds: “A lot of people think that completing a further learning plan is a very regimented process. In fact, it is tailored to you, and as long as you are hitting the academic benchmark, or exceeding it, it is flexible and not prescriptive. I thought that it would suit me and, as long as I had a plan, I felt it was something I could achieve.”

Asked how he manages to combine his busy role with his high-level study, James says: “I fit my PhD study in where I can. Work takes priority, but I get time off to do the testing, as I have an agreement with my immediate line manager. It’s about forward planning, being open and fair and having flexibility.”

He concludes: “Whatever it is you want to achieve, I recommend you focus on your goal, break it down into chunks and take it one step at a time.”