Institution news
John Lowe started out in engineering more than 60 years ago, spending the majority of his career, after completing his studies at night school over an eight year period, working for Ford at its Dunton Technical Centre.
John’s first passion in engineering, however, has always been around improving education and inspiring the next generation of engineers to enter the industry and achieve their best, and he even spent time via the Department for Education and Skills leading the consortium that developed the “occupational standards” which define higher level professional standards in engineering manufacture.
And it is for this dedication and service to STEM education that John was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
“It was satisfying to know that my efforts and the efforts of those around me to nurture STEM, particularly in young people, was recognised as being of great importance,” John said.
“STEM becomes particularly important because we have an acute and chronic shortage of technically able people and engineers in this country, and throughout most of the Western world.”
Speaking to John, it is clear he is immensely passionate about building the profile of engineering, and particularly working with school students and young people to promote the benefits and excitement of a career in engineering.
“Children are desperately interested in science and engineering up until 11 or 12 when the current curriculum and career advisers steer them off the subject because they don’t understand it and other distractions start to get in the way.
"We need to raise the awareness of the opportunities in STEM, the excellent pay available, the appreciation shown by society and the ability of engineers to improve the world and be socially responsible and, just as importantly, have fun.
“Engineering is a creative career, and we need to demonstrate that.”
John has been working with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers to increase the number of young students considering engineering as a career. He backs the Institution’s Primary Engineer programme that targets primary school students and looks to inspire future engineers.
“Professional bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers are the best-placed organisations to help the national effort to promote STEM among young people.”
“They are neutral when it comes to industry sectors and social interests, because they engage the best people from academia, industry and other sources to understand what is going on. Additionally, these institutions have international reach, especially the IMechE, and we can and do share strategies globally.
“Such professional bodies need to continue the work they are doing to stay modern and relevant if they are to continue helping young people get into engineering.”
Alongside his work with the Institution, John, for many years, was a Trustee at the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation and has advised others. He is also President of the Museum of Power in Maldon, Essex, where he is proud of the work being done to promote STEM and retain this country’s engineering heritage. The museum recently won the Institution’s Alastair Graham-Bryce Award, recognising the work the museum has done raising awareness of and promoting STEM in the local community.
But despite being 83 years of age, John is not heading for retirement anytime soon. “As an older member, don’t give up,” he declared. “Engineering is still fun and very rewarding – even at my age.
“I intend to continue working for the Museum of Power, IMechE and similar organisations for as long as Mrs Lowe and Toffee the rescue dog allow.”