Please introduce yourself and tell us about your career to date.
I am a Design Engineer currently studying an apprenticeship for a BEng (Hons) in Fire Safety Engineering from the University of Lancashire. I began my career in fire engineering working for BB7 as an Apprentice Fire Engineer in August 2022 where I had just recently finished studying my A-Levels. At the start of January 2025, I was promoted to Design Engineer following a successful start to my apprenticeship and career with BB7.
So far, the experience has been incredibly rewarding. I have worked on a vast number of projects ranging in size and complexities whilst also attending university to gain a broader understanding of fire engineering as a whole.
Describe your apprenticeship role within your current workplace and describe what a typical working day looks like.
My day-to-day role as a Design Engineer involves supporting fire design deliverables such as fire strategy report writing at different RIBA Stages, drawing reviews, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling whilst also being exposed to fire safety assurance and fire risk management to broaden my skillset.
Being project engineer on these projects allows me to gain experience in completing deliverables on time and efficiently, obtaining skills for communicating effectively with clients, attending meetings with a range of design teams. My role also includes attending frequent CPD sessions which are both internal and external as well as studying for my degree at the University of Lancashire.
What were your main reasons for choosing an apprenticeship over other educational or career routes (e.g., university, full-time work)?
I wanted to gain hands-on, practical experience that I could apply to projects while also working towards professional qualifications. However, I couldn’t have chosen this route without BB7 and therefore I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that they have given me.
What specific skills or knowledge do you feel you’ve gained through your apprenticeship that will help you in your long-term career?
Throughout my career so far, I have really noticed a change in my confidence. When I began my apprenticeship, I was fresh out of sixth form, and moving directly into full-time work with real responsibilities was quite daunting. Over the last few years, BB7 have enabled me to become more confident talking to co-workers both technical and non-technical as well as developing my communication skills with clients even when on tight deadlines. Now, this is becoming one of my strengths rather than a weakness, which I am thankful for.
Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering doing an apprenticeship?
Do it. An apprenticeship is a great way to start your career early while also gaining professional qualifications. The apprenticeship has allowed me to grow and develop individually and taught me invaluable skills which will be useful throughout the rest of my career. I couldn’t recommend this route of studying anymore, if I had to go back, I’d do the exact same, just with less hesitation.
Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your apprenticeship role?
Balancing university and work at the same time can prove to be a challenge at times. However, setting aside time and planning my week enables me to make sure I have allocated enough time for studying, assignments, and work responsibilities.
What do you find most enjoyable about your apprenticeship role?
I thoroughly enjoy working in the fire engineering sector. I enjoy the variety of projects, project locations, complexities, forever evolving guidance and the fact that no project is identical, so you can never get tired of doing the same thing.
Is there a great professional achievement or high-profile accomplishment that you would like to tell us about in your apprenticeship role?
I am especially proud of a CFD project where we investigated the suitability of the design guidance and the effectiveness of code compliant natural ventilation at protecting occupants and the fire service during a fire scenario. This project proved to be very rewarding as it involved a lot of both individual research and group research to ensure we were satisfied with the results of the study.
What inspired you to become an engineer or pointed you towards an engineering career?
I have always been interested in the built environment and engineering, not specifically fire engineering. After completing a week's work experience at BB7 extensively researching the sector, I was immediately drawn in.
What contributed to your decision to gain IFE Student membership?
At the start of my apprenticeship, my colleagues introduced me to several valuable tools and resources to support my development as a fire engineer. One recommendation was to gain membership with the IFE. Since I am currently an undergraduate, I applied for Student membership. Looking ahead, my ultimate goal is to achieve Chartered Engineer status through the IFE.
How has being an IFE student member supported your development during your apprenticeship? (e.g., resources, networking, learning opportunities)
Becoming a Student member of the IFE has allowed me to access an unlimited number of learning opportunities to support my career and help me achieve my professional goals. I frequently attend CPD events that are posted on the IFE website.
Would you recommend joining the IFE as a Student member to others? If so, why?
Yes, joining the IFE on a Student membership is highly beneficial for apprentices like me looking to constantly learn and develop.