Sam Gibson, Engineering Technician from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, has been awarded Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Recognized worldwide, the IEng credential is given by the UK's Engineering Council to engineers who apply, manage, and maintain technology in mechanical engineering and other fields. We caught up with Sam to ask him a few questions about the award, his day to day role and what his future plans are.
How do you feel about being awarded IEng status with IMechE?
IEng status means a lot to me. I think it's rewarding to know that IMechE recognises and validates the work produced, the knowledge and experience of the technicians at the University and having the accreditation helps to show my competencies and skill set within the field of engineering research.
What benefits will IEng status bring you?
I think the IEng status will open up new opportunities for career development, as well as recognition for the skills that I have developed over the years. It helps communicate that the work done in research can be complicated and bespoke.
What does your day to day role consist of in the School?
I currently work in the Heavy Structures, ICAIR (the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre) and Lea Labs as one of the engineering technicians, providing technical support for research by academic staff and students and commercial contracts.
My role allows me to be involved with all aspects of projects, from specification and training to testing. The work done in the labs can vary from standard testing to complex bespoke setups. I'm able to get hands-on with the design and manufacture of new test setups, testing equipment or parts/components for new methods of testing as well as data acquisition.
What is your background? Have you always wanted to work in a technical role?
I have always had an interest in working in a practical role and engineering. I moved to Sheffield in 2010 to study Aerospace Technology at Hallam University, which gave me a lot of transferable skills to work with.
Fast forward a few years, I joined the university through the Trainee Technician program, which involved working with the engineering departments to learn the practical skills and knowledge to become a technician. I was then employed as an assistant technician in the Heavy Structure (HSL) and Materials Labs with the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering. Since then, I've become an Engineering Technician, helping to manage the HSL and providing support to ICAIR and the Lea Lab.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to achieve level 7 accreditation and higher, if possible. I enjoy working in the fields of mechanical and civil engineering, and progressing to gain further knowledge and experience would be great.