Case Study
Alex Gray: how achieving Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration put him on the path to landing a key role at a major water company
Alex Gray BEng (Hons) CEng MIET, Head of Operational Technology, Thames Water, describes the impact that professional registration has had on his career.
theiet.org/electrician-engtech
Alex Gray: how achieving Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration put him on the path to landing a key role at a major water company The attractions of becoming a drummer in a thrash metal band diminished for Alex Gray after he became aware of the murky side of the rock business. But entertainment’s loss became the water industry’s gain as Alex’s decision to commit wholeheartedly to becoming an engineer has brought a wealth of riches in career development and job satisfaction. Alex is no longer a member of a semiprofessional trash metal band and only plays drums in his spare time. Instead, he is now employed at Thames Water and has recently been appointed as Head of Operational Technology, leading a team of 3 direct and 50 indirect reports. He is the owner and maintainer of all the technology used for the control and operation of the water treatment, waste treatment, control and automation and says this role allows him to influence company strategy. On leaving school, with little ambition away from rock music and with few qualifications, Alex went to work as an electrician’s mate on a building site after seeing a note for the job pinned on a youth club board. He enjoyed the experience to such an extent that he decided to study as an electrical apprentice. He has rarely stopped learning since and in the past 20 years has moved beyond the disciplines of domestic and commercial installation work to the world of water processes and treatment.
“I started my career working as a sparky,” Alex confirmed. But a glance at his CV would reveal that he has gained an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, a BEng degree in power engineering from the University of West London and that he is currently pursuing a PhD with Brunel University, London. The PhD is focused on improving the energy efficiency of sewer networks by applying improved automation to pumping systems. Playing a pivotal role in his professional development was his decision to study for EngTech registration. Alex explained: “If I hadn’t gained professional registration, I wouldn’t have been able to continue on the journey I am on. EngTech demonstrates your commitment to continuous professional development and is a key enabler career wise .” He has since gone on to achieve the status of Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the IET. These professional landmarks were achieved whilst studying part time and working full time. “I could have decided to run an electrical contracting business,” he said. “But I took the decision to invest in myself and further my career in a different direction. I love working in the water industry, I enjoy the problem solving and not just on the technical side, but the business and strategic aspects too.”
Alex Gray: how achieving Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration put him on the path to landing a key role at a major water company Alex majors in the delivery and commissioning of control, instrumentation and software systems for Thames Water. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), programmable logic controllers and a wealth of other high-tech wizardry feature consistently in his work. The information he receives and processes is crucial, as a click of a mouse can determine what happens in the field. “To put it simply, it’s all about controlling pressures and flows,” he explained. “Based on the data in the field our control systems will make decisions about switching pumps on and off or whether to open a valve; regulating clean and waste water treatment. My job is to help ensure it happens in the most efficient way possible.” Water is a dynamic, but sometimes undervalued industry, which like construction, building services and rival utilities is having to meet the challenges of the low carbon economy head on. Change is happening continuously technology-wise and Alex highlights the importance of continual professional development as a way of keeping up and building on the advances being made.
When asked why he volunteers for the IET as a Professional Registration Advisor and Professional Registration Interviewer, he says “it’s great for your own CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and you get to network with some great, like minded engineers”. Volunteering has also opened up other opportunities recently, as he has been invited to work with other IET departments including the Policy team. This will, of course, raise his own profile as he looks to become a Fellow of the IET in the not too distant future. “Career wise I am on an exciting journey and I am really enjoying it,” he concluded. “Being professionally registered has helped it happen. I firmly believe I wouldn’t be in the role that I am in now at Thames Water without professional registration to further my career.”
If you want to develop your workforce, improve the reputation of your business and raise standards in the industry, consider putting your employees forward for Electrician EngTech
Find out more at:
theiet.org/electrician-engtech or contact: electechs@theiet.org The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698). The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.
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