David Lovelady: Siemens graduate

Employer: Siemens Transmission and Distribution Ltd
University: University of Manchester
Subject: BEng electrical and electronic engineering

I left school at 16 and started an apprenticeship with a manufacturing firm. I worked for four years as an electrical and electronic engineer, during which time I won the Apprentice of the Year Award. I then took an HND part time, continuing with my employer for another three years before leaving to take my degree.

Technical and business placements

I came to my role through the Power Academy, which is a scheme run by the Institution of Engineering and Technology, in conjunction with leading power sector companies, to attract graduates to the sector. As well as providing a bursary for study, the scheme organises paid industrial placements and allocates a mentor from the industry.

The scheme I’m on involves a range of placements, usually lasting eight weeks each. Three quarters of these are engineering based but there are placements in other areas of the business that help build up more business-oriented skills. I have had freedom to pick and choose those placements that most interest me and to extend them or cut them short where appropriate. There are also corporate courses that graduates from all areas of the business attend. These cover core abilities such as customer focus and presentation skills.

Doing real work

My training has largely been on the job and while I’m mainly office-based, there are hands-on elements. I have also had the opportunity to travel, visiting our factory in Germany, which produces much of the equipment used by the business. One project I’ve worked on so far is a new high-voltage DC link with Holland. This involved calculating the mechanical loads and pressures that the substations and other equipment would be exposed to, in order to ensure they are built to withstand such stresses. It’s been great doing real work and knowing it will be used. There’s a lot of feedback and plenty of support so I’ve never felt out of my depth. Senior staff are keen to hear my ideas and opinions – it’s really satisfying when they are taken on board.