CIBSE Young Members

Name: Robert Hedges
Age: 27
University attended: Northumbria University
Course: Building Services Engineering
Job title: Mechanical Engineer
Employer: NPS Group

1.    Why did you choose your degree and university?

Having worked at a building services engineering consultancy since leaving school I was keen to continue on with my chosen career path and professional development. After discussions with my colleagues at the time I felt that University was the right path to follow. I reviewed various degrees across the country; however, with fewer and fewer dedicated buildings services engineer degree courses available, choice was limited. When I went to visit Northumbria University it was clear that their School of the Built Environment was the place to be. They took time to speak to me face to face and came across to be exactly what I was looking for, forward thinking and very enthusiastic about the importance of Building Services within the construction industry.

2.    What attracted you to the Building Services industry?

It almost makes me cringe to say it but I really wanted to make a difference. Buildings consume a huge amount of energy and this has been a very important issue to me ever since it was highlighted in one of the first ever lectures I had at college. It is because of our evolving role as designers that I have continued to stay within the industry. We now have the opportunity to make a considerable difference to our environment through reduced energy consumption, even if it is just one building at a time.

3.    Why did you choose to work at NPS Group?

I was made redundant in April 2009 and to me, the governing factor when looking for vacancies at the time was job security. NPS Group appeared to be very well positioned to ride the economical turmoil. They had a solid long term client portfolio, projects programmed for the forthcoming year and partnerships with the local councils.

4.    What does your role involve? Tell us about a few highlights of your job so far.

NPS Group has a real team attitude. I have worked on small, medium and large jobs in a verity of sectors and although I am relatively a new member of the NPS Group I feel that I have quickly become a trusted and valued member of the M&E Design team. I am currently working on a large engineering college designing the Mechanical heating, ventilation and water services. 

5.    You started out studying an ONC in Building Services Engineering and then progressed to a HNC and next a BEng (Hons) which you completed in 2007. Why did you decide to continue studying?

Personal and professional development is very important. Although you may feel that have sound knowledge at an HNC level a degree galvanises your understanding.  I had and still do have ambitions of gaining Chartered Engineering Status and that in itself is enough to warrant University. Even though I was awarded a BEng (Hons) I still need a Master level degree to gain the standard entry qualifications for Chartered engineer status, which is why I am currently undertaking a distance learning MSc degree at the Centre of Alternative Technology (CAT) which is run in association with the University of East London.

6.    You joined CIBSE as a student in 2005, why did you join CIBSE and how do you find it useful for you?

I was encouraged my colleagues at the time to join CIBSE. I received a student member’s data book which compresses various CIBSE guides into a useful reference booklet, which I still refer to almost daily! Being a member entitles you attend the regional CIBSE technical evening seminars which are a great way to meet other members of the profession and keep to do date with the latest technical innovations. I also benefit from the free monthly technical journal.

7.    You received your registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) / Associate Member of CIBSE in November 2009 – Congratulations! Why did you choose to become a professional registered member?

I felt it was important for my professional development to progress from a graduate to Associate Member of CIBSE. It shows your employer that you are serious about your career and accredits you as a competent and professional building services engineer which clearly enhances your value to your employer.

8.    Can you offer any tips/advice for those who have finished their BEng (Hons) and are thinking about applying for IEng in the future?

My advice is to get as much experience as possible, ask questions if you’re not sure of anything and keep a record of all the projects you have been involved in with dates, personal involvement, successes and challenges. This will really help you when it comes to writing your application.

I would also recommend starting a personal design guide as soon as possible. My design file has progressed from a small note pad to a full lever arch file and is bursting with information you would not normally find in traditional reference material. Just remember to reference where you got the information from.

Finally keep a detailed CPD log, I can not stress this enough. It may seem tedious but makes your application much smoother.

9.    I understand you have also become a Low Carbon Consultant through CIBSE. Why do you think energy assessors and consultants become so crucial to the industry?

Understanding how energy and low Carbon technology can be utilised has become essential in modern building design and a crucial factor in the evolution of the building services engineer. Architects and clients are increasingly turning to the building services designer for guidance on how to unlock the full potential of building though passive design.  Meeting energy and Carbon targets can be achieved in part through bolt on Low and Zero Carbon (LZC) technologies but a higher consideration needs to be applied to the building through careful selection of the façade, orientation and thermal construction. I chose CIBSE for my Low Carbon Consultant (LCC) training as CIBSE's strong reputation means my clients' can be confident in the advice I provide as a design engineer. As a CIBSE LCC, not only do I aim to optimise the final design in terms of building costs but also to reduce running costs, energy use and carbon emitted.

10.    Where would you like to see yourself in 10 years time?

Hopefully I will be a Chartered Engineer leading a solid design team.

If you would like to see if you are ready to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) make sure you check CIBSE's factsheets and competencies for this grade. Click here to find out more.

For information on studying options for building services engineering click here.