GAINING a master’s degree has whetted an engineer’s appetite to develop his skills and knowledge of the industry even further.
With the support of his employer, engineering company Forth, Rob Sneesby is continuing on his education journey by committing to study for further industry specific qualifications.
With the goal of acquiring Chartered Engineer status, Rob is working towards completing further professional development in 2022 via an APM Project Professional Qualification having already gained his APM Project Management Qualification, as well as a New Engineering Manager course.
The 29-year-old fitted his studies for his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Mechanical Engineering around his full-time role as Senior Mechanical Engineer at Forth’s Barrow-in-Furness base, and he is looking forward to learning more methods and techniques which he can adapt to his daily work.
Rob said: “Closing the chapter in my life of studying for my Masters degree is very fulfilling and it’s now time to look at my next mid and long term goals.
“Looking ahead to the next two to three years of professional development, I’m aiming to gain Chartered Engineer status through the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, after gaining my Incorporated Engineer status in 2019 with them.
“Where I’m now reviewing the expected competency requirements for this advancement in accreditation and putting together an action plan to develop any areas identified that I need to work on and any supplementary continued professional development activities and courses I can undertake.
“I’m delighted to have earned my MSc after so much hard work, but I want to take it to the next level and keep developing and learning new skills for the benefit of not only myself, but the company too.”
To gain the MSc qualification, Rob had to successfully complete six modules and also carry out a dissertation project in which he designed a complete solution and manufactured a prototype of cable twisting equipment for use across the engineering industry.
The equipment would improve the flow of electricity through cables and ease of handling and assembly, and Forth is currently considering manufacturing the device and bringing it to the market.
Rob said: “It’s been great to work on a project from its problem stage and then working on each component to provide a solution which could significantly boost the industry.
“I saw an opportunity to develop equipment which reduces the labour requirements for engineers and instantly upgrades current methods.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that Forth has been so impressed with the equipment that it is now looking at the full costing exercise I conducted to move ahead with the manufacturing of the final design and market it.”
Rob has worked for Forth since 2018 after learning his trade with a company specialising in oil and gas.
He successfully completed a four-year advanced apprenticeship in Engineering and then a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering before accepting an invitation to continue his professional development at Forth.
Rob said: “I was keen to pursue new opportunities to progress my career and qualifications, and Forth presented a great challenge which would allow me to put my own stamp on the projects they develop here.
“At Forth, you feel like you have the freedom to be creative and influence the work being carried out, and you feel like you’re making a big contribution to some major projects.
“I’m so grateful for the support Forth has given me throughout my time here but especially through the MSc degree, and it’s great to know that the team has great faith in me and want to continue supporting me through the next stages of my learning.”
Forth’s Managing Director Mark Telford was full of praise for the work Rob continually produces, and he has been impressed with Rob’s desire to learn new skills and pass on his knowledge to the team.
He said: “Rob’s enthusiasm and work ethic are huge assets to Forth, and we’re very thankful to have somebody with his great skill set and capabilities working with us.
“His willingness to continue his learning and to gain as many qualifications as he can shows how determined he is to be the best he possibly can be at the job, and his expert knowledge of the industry is certainly a benefit to the company.
“Forth is always on the look-out for the most talented workers to join us, and we would love to provide the opportunities for more people like Rob as we continue to innovate, pioneer and inspire on a daily basis.”
In addition to a base in Barrow-in-Furness, Forth’s main headquarters and trade counter facility are based in Flimby, in Cumbria. The company also has an office in Cleator Moor.
