Meet real engineers

Yanmi

Digital & Technology Solutions Professional/Specialist, Degree Apprentice, National Highways
Hi, I'm Yanmi. I had a passion for technology but genuinely love helping people and I didn’t want to work in technology without having any sort of impact. So National Highways seemed like the natural choice. I’m helping shape the future through my job. I work with some of the latest emerging technologies whilst having a real impact on road users. I help keep them connected through an intelligent road network. Using my creativity, I contributed to an environmentally-friendly product for National Highways and our customers. I help ensure road technology runs smoothly with my team. Soon I’ll be helping to develop road technology even more to support as many people as possible stay connected and have smoother journeys. Being a STEM Ambassador also helps me shape the future. I educate students who'll be coming after me to design the future and make it as good as possible for all of us. 

Yanmi presents our Beat the heat design challenge

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Ryan

Major Projects Director, Farrat and Fellow of the Institute of Acoustics
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m shaping our future by designing innovative solutions that make it possible to build comfortable homes and workplaces close to busy railways and underground stations. My route into engineering started with an advanced apprenticeship after my A Levels, followed by a foundation degree and then a full degree in Electro Mechanical Engineering. Today, I design vibration isolation systems that reduce the noise and vibration caused by passing trains. My work helps make high-quality urban living possible in some of the best-connected parts of our cities, while supporting more sustainable development.

Helen and Kate

Bridge Engineers, the Rochester Bridge Trust
Hi, we're Helen and Kate. We’re shaping our future by choosing lower-carbon approaches to bridge works and maintenance in order to minimise our environmental impact. Alongside maintaining the bridge at zero cost to the public, we’ve reduced our carbon emissions by almost 90% through adapting our everyday working practices. This includes using an electric bridge inspection boat, switching our bridge lighting to energy-efficient LEDs and choosing lower-carbon services such as unpowered street sweeping. By making these changes, we can make sure there's a crossing over the River Medway for many years to come.

Fanucci

Technical Director, Global Classic Engineering Consultant Co Ltd
Hi, I’m Fanucci. I’m a Technical Director at Global Classic Engineering Consultant Co Ltd in Hong Kong leading teams that help improve the safety and sustainability of buildings. My journey into engineering began with a Higher Diploma in Civil and Construction Engineering, followed by a degree in Environmental Engineering. Today, I oversee building condition surveys, safety inspections and hazard reduction across 39 public housing estates. They contain more than 170 residential blocks, as well as healthcare clinics and municipal buildings. I also help improve building performance through green-building simulations and retro-commissioning. Alongside my work, I lecture part time and have mentored more than 80 aspiring engineers. My career shows how engineering can improve communities and open doors to international opportunities.

Luke

Senior Acoustic Technician, Spectrum Acoustic
Hi, I’m Luke. I’m shaping the future by helping to create quieter, more sustainable environments. I’m a Senior Acoustic Technician at Spectrum Acoustic Consultants in Bedfordshire, helping measure and assess noise to create better environments for people. My route into engineering was far from traditional. I began my career as a pub manager before spotting an online advert for a PCT Assistant role. After speaking with the team, I was offered an opportunity at Spectrum, where I now work with specialist equipment, instrumentation and acoustic surveying. I’ve since become an ANC-registered tester and recently completed the IOA Diploma, which has helped me progress my career. I’m now working towards becoming an acoustic consultant, with a particular interest in emerging challenges such as public EV charger noise.

Olivia

Platform Integration Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover
Hi, I'm Olivia, and I'm shaping the future of automotive through using artificial intelligence (AI). I've always loved problem solving and was lucky enough to be accepted onto an apprenticeship programme through JLR. This allowed me to study as well as learn by doing – and being practical, gaining real industry knowledge. The future of automotive is everchanging and ever growing. AI helps us create vehicles that can understand drivers’ needs, provide helpful information, and make everyday driving easier. As AI continues to develop, it will play an even bigger role in creating smarter and more personalised driving experiences. Above all keeping everyone as safe as possible on the roads for every journey, every day. Using AI day to day allows us to streamline our workforce. It helps create graphs and diagrams and simplify huge quantities of data that would take days, if not weeks, to compartmentalise.

Olivia presents our Smart support design challenge

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Tom

Lighting Engineer, Southwark Council
Hi, I’m Tom. I’m shaping the future by making our streets smarter and more sustainable. I manage engineering and infrastructure services for a London local authority. Part of my role looks at how we can use smart street lighting, live data and new technology to reduce energy use and carbon emissions. All while keeping streets safe. This includes developing lighting systems which can dim dynamically. I’m also exploring how traffic and pedestrian data could help lighting respond to how streets are actually being used. Engineering today isn’t just about building things. It’s about using technology, data and creative thinking to improve everyday places.

Sophia

Graduate Safety Engineer, National Gas
Hi I'm Sophia, I'm a Graduate Safety Engineer at the National Gas headquarters. I'm shaping our future by protecting the pipelines used for natural gas – and soon – hydrogen, bringing sustainable heating to homes across the UK. I joined National Gas through their Assets Graduate Scheme in Safety, to try out different areas of the business and develop my range of skills. Right now, I am in Process Safety where we perform assessments of our key assets to maintain their safety and functionality. I'm really excited for where my career takes me in securing safe and sustainable energy for Britain.

Holly

International Renewables Graduate, RWE Renewables
Hi, I’m Holly and I’m shaping the future by tackling the challenge of renewable energy and future energy systems. I started my career with RWE as a year-in-industry student. I worked on operations and maintenance (O&M) concepts for offshore wind farms in development. I helped to plan how the windfarms could be operated effectively in the future. Now in my first graduate rotation, in O&M Commercial, I’m learning how engineering decisions connect with project costs and long-term planning. This helps shape the future by ensuring wind projects are financially sustainable over their lifetimes, supporting the role of renewables in the UK’s energy system.

James

Apprentice Quality Engineer, Amentum
Hi, I’m James. I’m an Apprentice Quality Engineer at Amentum, helping to make sure engineering projects meet the high standards needed to support the UK’s nuclear and defence industries. I’m also shaping the future by solving problems and raising engineering standards. I chose an apprenticeship as my route into engineering, gaining practical experience while developing my skills on the job. Today, I investigate problems, find ways to improve processes and help ensure critical systems meet the required standards. Alongside my work, I’m passionate about encouraging other young people to explore apprenticeships and STEM careers. I show them that there are many different ways to build a rewarding future in engineering and technology.

Ewan

International Renewables Graduate, RWE Renewables
Hi I’m Ewan. I’m shaping the future by making renewable energy more sustainable. I work in offshore wind decommissioning, planning how wind farms can be safely removed at the end of their lives. My current project explores new technologies and whether they can be used safely and effectively to dismantle offshore wind farms. I’m finding better ways to remove old wind farms with minimal disturbance to the marine environment. This helps make renewable energy more sustainable throughout a wind farm’s whole life.

Amelia

Wind Turbine Technician, RWE Renewables
Hi, I'm Amelia. I work offshore to help keep renewable energy flowing to homes and businesses. I'm shaping the future by helping to keep offshore wind turbines generating clean energy. After studying maths, physics and geography, I chose an offshore technician apprenticeship which gave me the skills and experience needed to start my engineering career. Today, I carry out routine maintenance on offshore wind turbines in a specialist engineering team. Working a 7 days on, 7 days off rotation, I help turbines operate safely and efficiently. I enjoy developing my technical skills, tackling engineering challenges and gaining hands-on offshore experience every day. Qualifying as a Wind Turbine Technician and securing a permanent role is my proudest achievement. Choosing offshore engineering is the best career decision I've made, and I'm excited to continue learning and growing in the industry.

Samir

Smart Building Apprentice, Sidara
Hi, I’m Samir. I’m a Smart Building Apprentice at Sidara using technology, data and automation to help make buildings more efficient and sustainable. I’m shaping our future by helping create smarter buildings that use energy more effectively. My passion for sustainability and engineering started when I studied ESG-related subjects at sixth form. I chose an apprenticeship rather than university, despite the uncertainty of taking a different route. After many applications, I secured a Level 4 Smart Building Apprenticeship, studying Building Energy Management Systems. I’m now progressing to a Level 6 Digital & Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship with Queen Mary University, while working with smart building technologies.

Jasminder

Offshore Engineering Year in Industry Student, RWE Renewables
Hi, I'm Jasminder. I'm shaping the future by exploring innovative technology for offshore wind farms. During my year-in-industry placement, I helped advance a pioneering cargo drone project. I worked with experienced engineers to prepare for a specialist trial exploring how drone technology could support offshore operations. Alongside this innovative project, I analysed subsea inspection data, visited offshore wind turbines and contributed to major maintenance planning activities. These experiences helped me connect engineering theory with real-world challenges while developing my technical knowledge and project management skills. Taking responsibility for emerging technology strengthened my confidence and inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.

Jack

Apprentice, Rolls-Royce 
Hi, I’m Jack. I’m shaping the future by welding safety-critical components for the UK’s nuclear deterrent. I’m a Level 3 Welding Apprentice. I weld safety-critical components for Nuclear Steam Raising Plants that power the submarines supporting the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent. I joined Rolls-Royce through its apprenticeship scheme in 2023, gaining hands-on experience while developing my welding skills. Now in my final year, I’m taking my expertise to the next level as part of Squad UK, training to compete at WorldSkills Aichi 2028. This follows winning gold at the UK national finals last year. My journey shows how an apprenticeship can build specialist skills and open doors to exciting challenges and opportunities.

Rebecca

Net Zero Educator, Northern Gas Networks
Hello, I’m Rebecca. I’m helping shape the future by inspiring and educating the next generation of talent. I deliver workshops across the North of England on STEM, climate change and sustainability, future energy pathways, and the changing gas sector. After completing a BSc in Environmental Geography, I moved into this role to help make the industry more visible and accessible. Through interactive sessions, learners gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and explore net zero climate action. Early engagement is vital to building the skills, awareness and enthusiasm needed for our future workforce.

Ellie

Solo offshore racer and maritime engineer, Ellie Driver Racing
Hi, I'm Ellie, a solo offshore racer and maritime engineer at Ellie Driver Racing. I'm shaping the future by showing young people the engineering behind ocean racing. I started sailing aged 7 in Anglesey, then studied Maritime Engineering and Naval Architecture at Southampton. Now I race a Figaro 3 on my own, and I'm working towards the Vendée Globe in 2032. At sea I'm skipper, navigator, weather forecaster and engineer, and every decision runs on physics and maths. I'm also shaping our future by showing young people, especially girls, that engineering can take them anywhere, even across an ocean.

Victoria

Lead Clinical Scientist, Sheffield Teaching Hospital NHS
Hi, I’m Victoria and I’m shaping the future by using clinical engineering to improve patient care. I’m a Lead Clinical Scientist in Medical Device Management at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. I use engineering, data analysis and problem solving to help healthcare teams select and introduce medical devices that make treatments safer, more effective and efficient. My role involves evaluating new equipment, investigating innovative technologies and working with clinicians, IT and procurement teams to find the best solutions for patient care. I’ve contributed to projects including technology-enabled virtual wards and a new electronic patient record system. I also train and support the next generation of clinical engineers. As healthcare evolves, I’m passionate about how engineering innovation can improve patient outcomes while reducing environmental impact.

Jeremy

Structural Engineer, Ramboll Global Healthcare Team
Hi, I’m Jeremy. I work as part of a global healthcare team to help create safe, functional buildings that serve communities for generations. I’m shaping the future by designing healthcare buildings built to last. My journey into engineering began as a child – building cities out of Lego and finding creative solutions to problems. This early curiosity grew into a passion for understanding how buildings and wider masterplans work. This lead me to graduate with a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Leeds. My studies gave me a broader understanding of the built environment and showed me how collaboration across disciplines is key to delivering successful projects. Today, I turn that passion into purpose by contributing to healthcare projects that give back to communities and make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.

Irinie

Honorary research associate, Moorfields Eye Hospital
Hi, I’m Irinie. I’m shaping the future by testing how hospitals will work before they’re built. I use virtual simulations to help design healthcare spaces that work better for patients and clinical teams. I began my career as a healthcare architect in Egypt before retraining in operational management and simulation modelling. This led to a PhD at UCL, where I explored how building layouts and clinical workflows could be designed together to improve efficiency. Today, I work with NHS teams to test hospital designs virtually before construction, helping them treat more patients with less space. At Moorfields Brent Cross, this approach reduced patient journeys from up to 5 hours to under 90 minutes, and more than doubled daily capacity.

Kit

Senior Design Manager, Mott MacDonald
Hi, I’m Kit. I’m a Senior Design Manager at Mott MacDonald, using engineering and design to help create hospitals that improve people’s lives. I’m shaping the future by helping design the hospitals of tomorrow. At school, inspiring teachers helped me discover how engineering could combine my interests in science, maths and creativity. I studied Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Leeds, including a year in Canada. After graduating, I worked on major rail and bridge projects, before discovering my passion for bringing people together and communicating ideas. This led me into design management and healthcare, where I now help deliver standard designs for new hospitals across England, helping shape the future of patient care.

Oye

Principal Engineer, Gloucestershire County Council
Hi, I am Oye. I am a Road Safety Engineer at Gloucestershire County Council. I'm shaping our future by designing streets where people can walk, cycle and get to school safely. I studied civil engineering at university, then worked on London's roads before moving to Gloucestershire. Today I use collision data to find where people are getting hurt, then design crossings, speed limits and traffic calming. I also build software that turns this data into reports. I am also studying for a PhD in road safety. The crossing near your school? Someone like me designed it.

Gareth

Associate Director, Acoustic Consultant, Atelier Crescendo
Hi, I’m Gareth. I’m shaping our future by designing spaces that sound better – from education and residential buildings to commercial projects. My career began with a love of music and sound. After a decade as a professional sound engineer, working with artists including Devendra Banhart and Everything Everything and at major festivals, I moved into acoustic consultancy. I gained my IOA Diploma in 2013 and became a Chartered Engineer in 2023. Today, I lead acoustic designs that help people learn, work and live comfortably – including the highly noise-sensitive spaces at TQEC in Bristol.

Sam

Principal Fire Engineer, OFR Consultants
Hi, I'm Sam. I’m shaping the future by helping to design buildings that keep people safe in the event of a fire. My journey into engineering started at the University of Edinburgh where I studied Structural and Fire Safety Engineering. Alongside my studies, I worked as a trainee site manager, which sparked my interest in fire safety during construction. After graduating with Honours, I joined OFR as a graduate fire engineer. Today, I develop fire strategies for complex buildings, solve technical challenges and work with different disciplines to turn ideas into safe, practical designs. I also work closely with clients, present fire strategy concepts, write technical reports and support junior colleagues as they develop their careers.

Daniel

Fire Engineer, Trigon Fire Safety
Hi, I’m Daniel. I’m shaping the future by helping make buildings safer for the people who live, learn and work in them. Since starting my career, I’ve used engineering knowledge and creative problem solving to tackle complex fire safety challenges. My work spans schools, homes, offices and large developments, helping protect people, property and the environment from the impact of fire. By developing innovative fire safety solutions, I’m helping create safer, more sustainable communities and shape the buildings of tomorrow.

Ryan

Fire Engineer
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a Fire Safety Engineer, helping create buildings that are safe, sustainable and fit for modern life. As buildings become taller, more complex and incorporate innovative materials, fire engineering plays a vital role in protecting people and property. I work with architects and other engineers to analyse building designs and develop fire safety solutions across homes, offices, schools and hospitals. I find it rewarding to know that my work helps create places where people can live, learn and work safely for years to come.

Jenny

Materials engineer in non-destructive evaluation (NDE), Rolls- Royce
Hello, I’m Jenny. I’m helping to ensure aircraft safety by developing and maintaining inspections for jet engine components. I joined Rolls-Royce after completing my EngD in non-destructive evaluation, where I researched using ultrasonics for material characterisation. Today, I work with the NDE aftermarket team to manage fan blade inspections throughout our engine fleet. I also develop new non-destructive inspection techniques using ultrasonics for a wide range of engine parts to detect defects without damaging the components.

Ben

Engineer, AECOM
Hi, I'm Ben. I’m shaping the future by designing the roads and infrastructure that connect communities, improve journeys, and help create more sustainable places to live.

Are your students inspired to learn more about a career in engineering?

There are so many ways to shape our future with a career in engineering and tech! Our dare to discover blog series offers insight and advice from engineers at 15 Professional Engineering Institutions on the many job roles in engineering. From civil and marine engineering to the science of acoustics, instrumentation, and non-corrosive testing, there’s something for every passion and skillset.