Committed to continuous professional development
Meet Joe Sturdy TMIET, a Design Technician whose passion for engineering was sparked by his father's career in building services. From work experience at secondary school to securing an apprenticeship with AGH Engineering Ltd and obtaining EngTech, Joe has shown unwavering dedication to his chosen profession.
Joe was inspired by his father, also an engineer specialising in building services, to explore a career in engineering. “Since an early age, I have demonstrated a passion for design and construction, which has persisted throughout my life,” he explains.
His journey in engineering began when he undertook a Level 2 Engineering course at secondary school, which included hands-on work experience at SES Engineering. This experience not only offered him an understanding of engineering fundamentals, but also “presented opportunities that played a crucial role in solidifying my decision to pursue a career in engineering. As a result of this I decided to specialise in electrical engineering.”
After secondary school, Joe enrolled in a Level 3 Engineering college course. “This equipped me with valuable skills across various engineering disciplines, and I graduated with a Distinction* Distinction* Distinction (D*D*D).”
During the course, he undertook work experience at AGH Engineering Ltd (AGHE), which is an electrical design consultancy. “This experience provided me with insight into the intricacies of electrical applications within the railway industry, along with the opportunity to seek career guidance from professionals, reinforcing my aspiration to specialise as an electrical design engineer.”
The apprenticeship route
After graduating, he accepted an apprenticeship with AGHE and became a Design Technician specialising in E&P (Electrification and Plant) design for the railway industry - and his career is going from strength to strength. He has actively sought out and seized upon opportunities to enhance his skills and knowledge, helping him develop as an engineer, including undertaking the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations course, Bentley mechanical design course, PTS AC/DCCR track training course and many others, as well as following AGHE’s IET accredited Professional Development Training Scheme. “I have undergone significant professional development and growth during my career journey to date.”
He would strongly recommend the apprenticeship route to other aspiring engineers, explaining “I believe the apprenticeship route not only provides you with hands-on exposure but also equips you with the practical knowledge essential in a real-world work environment.”
His journey has not been without its obstacles. Early in his role, he faced a significant professional challenge while developing a lighting design proposal for a depot/siding project. The initial options presented were not suitable, but Joe worked to overcome this by effectively communicating with colleagues, consulting suppliers and manufacturers and exploring other potential options. “Through a series of meetings and discussions, we refined the options and arrived at a final lighting design incorporated into the project's plans. This experience not only honed my technical skills but also conveyed insights into the collaborative nature of design work and effective client communication.”
Becoming an Engineering Technician
A particular highlight in his journey so far has been working towards and becoming an EngTech (Engineering Technician): “One of my proudest achievements has been obtaining EngTech with the IET. This milestone marked a significant advancement in my career, reflecting my dedication and expertise as an engineer. Since achieving EngTech status, I have continued to progress in my role through highlighting my design skills and effective communication skills in various projects.”
“To attain EngTech, I needed to highlight skills and professional growth aligned with the UK Specification. Engaging in multiple Access for All (AfA) schemes provided a robust challenge to my knowledge and expertise. These projects involved upgrading existing railway stations to improve accessibility, through the installation of lifts and ramps to replace stairs.
“As the designated electrical designer, I encountered various challenges throughout these schemes. I addressed these challenges by collaborating closely with other engineering disciplines and the client, ensuring the design met compliance standards while remaining functional and effective. This experience not only facilitated the demonstration of criteria outlined in the UK Spec but also broadened my expertise.
“Throughout the projects I have completed, the quality of my work has gained positive recognition from both clients and colleagues throughout my career. Their feedback has served as a testament to my proficiency and commitment to delivering high-quality designs.”
Making the most of his membership
“As a member of the IET for more than two years, I have found it to be a valuable asset in advancing my professional career. Throughout my tenure as a Design Technician, I have consistently enhanced and updated my CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and professional growth through the IET's Career Manager platform.
“I have also utilised a lot of the IET’s seminars which I have found to include a lot of assistance with professional development and a great asset for gaining knowledge of the industry. As part of my role as a Design Technician I often refer to the IET’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations for standards and regulations throughout all my proposed designs and installations.”
Looking to the future and supporting others
Joe is enjoying his current role and is currently involved in several interesting projects, including station upgrades to improve accessibility, finding innovative lighting solutions for a depot/siding, and working on Semi-Automatic Track Warning Systems (SATWS) to safeguard on-track workers during lineside operations. “The dynamic nature of each day, with its unique challenges, is something I truly appreciate. Working on a wide variety of project types exposes me to a diverse array of electrical installations, adding to the progression of my professional journey.”
As he progresses in his own career, he now offers support and guidance for more junior colleagues to support their own engineering journeys. “Throughout my journey with AGHE, I've taken on a significant mentoring role, guiding and supporting new colleagues, as well as assisting them with their projects and professional growth. This involves supervising their schemes and offering consistent support as necessary. In my mentoring capacity, I organise regular meetings to ensure they receive the guidance needed to accomplish their schemes and personal objectives efficiently.”
Looking ahead, he is eager to advance his career further and hopes to progress to a Design Engineer role and work toward IEng Professional Registration. He has created an action plan together with his line manager to help him address areas in which he needs to develop to achieve this.
“After conducting a self-assessment, my intention is to apply for IEng and work towards achieving it in the future. Upon successful completion of IEng, I aim to advance my professional development further by pursuing Chartered Engineer status (CEng). Since the beginning of my career, obtaining Chartered status has been a longstanding aspiration, and I have set a goal to accomplish this by the end of 2029.”