Institution news
The prize, awarded by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for outstanding performance, is made to RAF trainees from MOD St Athan who have achieved the top exam results in their year group.
Both award winners are now working on RAF stations and developing their competence as technicians.
Senior Aircraft Technician Lewis Speakman, who won the 2019 award, is now based at RAF Leeming working on the Heavy Vehicle Line within the Motor Transport Maintenance Section.
Senior Aircraftsman Technician Lewis Speakman
Lewis said, “My responsibilities are to carry out scheduled maintenance, fault diagnosis and rectification on a fleet of 37 MAN SV Trucks and two Airfield control vehicles. I also periodically provide out of hours engineering cover for the unit to ensure RAF Leeming maintains its flying commitments.”
Lewis completed his 16 month training in 2018 and commented, “I really enjoyed learning new things and being able to take part in so many practical tasks. I was given the foundations needed to become an excellent mechanical technician. My training has provided me with the confidence to undertake and complete my full range of duties to the standards expected from the military. I also gained lifelong friends and have so many good memories from my time at RAF St Athan.”
He is not letting the grass grow under his feet and has his sight set on foundation degree and to become professionally registered with IMechE.
Lewis added, “I’m so grateful to the IMechE for giving me this award and prize. It makes all the hard work and effort to complete my engineering training feel worthwhile. The prize money came at a really good time as well because me and my partner Annalise are saving for our wedding next year. I would just like to say thank you very much for recognising me, I feel very privileged.”
Lewis was presented his award by Wing Commander Gillian Burgess, Officer Commanding Engineering & Logistics Wing RAF Leeming on the 7 Sep 2020. The presentation took place in Ground Engineering Flight in-front of the entire Flight.
Steven Smith, named as Top General Engineering Student 2019, joined the Royal Air Force in 2017 and complete his trade training in April 2019 with a 91% course exam average. He then moved to RAF Brize Norton and completed his NVQ Level 3 in General Engineering and gained a Modern Apprenticeship certificate 14 months ahead of schedule and is due to be awarded Q-Ops status and gain promotion to SAC(T) in November this year.
Group Captain Emily Flynn and Steven Smith
Steven said, “I love the diversity of my role at the moment. No two days are the same and the variety of vehicles and assets we hold here at Ground Engineering Flight means that you are exposed to many different mechanical systems, which really pushes you to develop and learn on the job.“
Steven has worked on specialist airfield vehicles such as fire-fighting and aircraft servicing vehicles and has recently moved to another vehicle team that maintain the unit’s green fleet of support vehicles such as the MAN SV, Land Rovers and trauma medical vehicles. Steven has proven himself to be a rising star by taking the initiative to improve work procedures and has been recognised by his senior officers for his proactive approach.
When asked about his future plans, Steven explained that he wants to continue his studies at a higher level, first through the RAF Foundation Degree Scheme and then eventually to complete a Bachelor’s Degree within the engineering field.
He added: “With regards to the RAF, I would first like to gain a depth of knowledge and experience within my current trade before potentially applying to commission as an Engineering Officer. I believe it is important to always have a goal so that you are always aiming somewhere.”
Steven concluded, “Receiving this award fills me with a great sense of pride. It’s nice to know that all my hard work and determination that I put into my studies during training didn’t go unnoticed, and it gives me the motivation to keep applying myself in the same manner in the future.”
Station Commander Group Captain Emily Flynn presented Steven with his award on 23 September. Group Captain Flynn, herself a Chartered Engineer, reinforced the importance of professional registration and encouraged all personnel to seek it out during their career.
Jill Dwyer, Business Development Manager (Defence Liaison) congratulated both winners for their exceptional performance. They were awarded a certificate and a cheque for £250.