Tomorrow’s Engineers Week celebrates ‘net zero’ pioneers

Pioneers working on zero-emission aircraft and energy-efficient farming are among the engineers being celebrated during Tomorrow’s Engineers Week (8-12 November).

The event, led by EngineeringUK, kicked off with a series of educational films showcasing the engineers at the heart of ‘net zero’ efforts. The week is aimed at inspiring a new generation into the profession, highlighting the creative and problem-solving aspects of the industry. 

Engineers being highlighted include: 

• Nathanael West, engineer at airship company Hybrid Air Vehicles, which is aiming to deliver a zero-emission aircraft by the end of this decade. “I thought about becoming a pilot, but at some point I realised that being a pilot is all about following procedure and trying to avoid challenging situations as much as possible,” West said. "I like to think of new ways to solve problems, and that's what engineering is all about, so I'm glad I made that decision.” 
• Jaz Rabadia MBE, who helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint and the amount of energy that they use. “When deciding what I should study at university, I researched engineering and I realised how important it is in making a difference to the world and to bettering people's lives,” Rabadia said. “I knew then that, by studying engineering, I could help make a difference.” 
• Charlotte Budgen, an engineering apprentice from Bicton College, focusing on making farming more efficient. “I want to be the first person to have a net zero farm,” Budgen said. “I've always liked more practical-based subjects, making things, designing things and fixing things. Bringing together my love of farming and tractors has been a dream come true.” 

The engineering community needs “to focus on the next and future generations, allowing them the space to be creative and equipping them with the technical skills to bring innovative solutions to life,” said EngineeringUK chief executive Dr Hilary Leevers. “They are up for the challenge, they are optimistic about what can be achieved in the future, and passionate about improving the world they live in.” 

The event will also include an alternative Cop26, where students around the country will come together to discuss the importance of achieving net zero and how engineers will be at the heart of the world’s response to climate change. 

Now in its ninth year, Tomorrow’s Engineers Week has seen over 130,000 young people take part in interactive engineering activities in the past three years alone, with almost half a million views of inspiring engineering videos and hundreds of millions of social media engagements. 

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