Profile – Tomorrow's Engineers Zone

Curriculum Vitae

Education:

Standish High School, then Runshaw College & Adult college, then finally University of Central Lancashire studying a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Qualifications:

I got mainly C's in my GCSE's. A triple distinction star (D*D*D*) in my Level 3 BTEC Extended diploma in Engineering and a 2:1 bachelors degree with honours.
Work History:

Started work experience at a local engineering company, physical work CNC lathes and machines. Then whilst studying at college and university I worked as a delivery driver, delivering hot meals to the elderly and vulnerable, more commonly known as 'Meals on Wheels'
Current Job:

Design Engineer
Employer:

The Awning Company UK Ltd. Just called ‘The Awning Co.’ for most people though! Located in Bolton, North West England.

About Me

I am a Structural Design Engineer and I live and work in Bolton, originally from Wigan. I am looking to collaborate with engineers who specialise in 3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
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I live in a houseshare with 2 other people, none of whom are engineers only myself! I have no pets, but love dogs! I love traveling and exploring new countries with great friends, and trying local dishes and drinks from around the world! I am outgoing and want to inspire a new generation of engineers to work in similar fields to myself, making a difference to the world!
My Work

Structural Design Engineer of Awnings & Temporary Structures for Motorsport such as F1 & Hospitality events!
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Structural Design Engineer working in the design and manufacture of Awnings for Motorsport & Hospitality events! Typical temporary structures you will see F1 teams and rally teams working with. I specialise in the Mechanical side of the structure as well as carrying out Structural Analysis on structures to find out how they behave in bad weather.
My Typical Day: I start work at 8.30 am, begin my design work straight away as well as physically testing if required, usually in the afternoons after lunch. And submit my drawings to manufacture to be made. I finish at 5.00 pm.
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I start work at 8.30 am, drink some tea or a cup of coffee to keep me alert and have some fruit with it. Working on my designs throughout the day until I enjoy my lunch at around 12.00-12.30pm usually a salad or a fish dish, sometimes working through my lunch break if I am busy.

In the afternoon, I like to go down to the factory floor and manage how the production of what I have designed is going on, from the structure itself, down to the printed artwork and logos on the sheeting to the last detail before it leaves the factory for race teams all around the world.

Usually, after 3.00 pm, I get to catch up on any paperwork, and emails I have missed throughout the day and like to have fortnightly design meetings reporting to the staff and managers on new potential ideas I have come up with, as well as going through current designs ready for submission to production.
My Interview
- How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
  
  Hard-working, passionate and innovative
  
  What's the best thing you've done in your career?
  
  Designed and manufactured a new style freestanding awning for motorsport teams!
  
  What or who inspired you to follow your career?
  
  My dad
  
  What was your favourite subject at school?
  
  Design & Technology - Woodwork
  
  What did you want to be after you left school?
  
  Engineer / Car Designer
  
  Were you ever in trouble at school?
  
  Rarely
  
  If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
  
  I love driving and racing, so something involved with motorsport I hope.
  
  Who is your favourite singer or band?
  
  Fleetwood Mac
  
  What's your favourite food?
  
  Pizza
  
  What is the most fun thing you've done?
  
  Supercar experience, around a racing track.
  
  If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
  
  Devote more time to my own designs and ideas I have ay home, to make a difference to young people starting their studies in STEM subjects and finally, make the world a better, more environmentally place through design!
  
  Tell us a joke.
  
  Why are there no tablets in the jungle? Because the paracetamol (parrots eat them all)
My profile link:
https://tomorrows20.imanengineer.org.uk/profile/tomstewartbrackenridge/