Spotlight on EngTech: Andrew Simcoe
As part of our ongoing series of case studies, we’re talking to some of our EngTech members and asking them about their careers and the ways in which IGEM has supported them so far. Andrew Simcoe currently works at Northern Gas Networks (NGN) as a Site Manager
Andrew’s career in the gas industry started in 2013 when he became a part-time trainee heating engineer at a small firm in Leeds, alongside an asset protection role at Eggborough Power Station. There, he worked with some great engineers who he says helped him to realise his potential and progress his career in gas. In 2015, by chance, he saw a Northern Gas Networks van parked up near the power station and, from that, applied for a role as an Operational Response Engineer. He was successful in his application and joined the emergency response team, based out of York.
“During my time as a Response Engineer in York, I was empowered by my managers and peers and given the support that helped drive my career forward,” he said. In his current role as Site Manager at NGN, Andrew looks after a team of Response Engineers attending gas emergencies (ranging from smells of gas and reported carbon monoxide, to fires and explosions) on the network.
“I am fortunate enough to have been nominated multiple times for the NGN Way Award at the annual awards ceremony, and although to this day I have not yet won the award, reading the nomination from my colleagues is honestly reward enough – I can’t explain that nice warm feeling you get on reading them,” he said.
So, what about his engineering heroes? Andrew says there are two people that have not only inspired him but have continued to support him throughout his career so far: “Dave Tomkin has been my go-to for advice relating to gas industry related issues, as well as my continued development within the industry and IGEM, and Richard Ashley, who was my manager when I first joined NGN, not only supported me in my day-to-day role but also empowered me and nurtured my interest of the role and the company.”
Discussing why he decided to become a member of IGEM, Andrew said: “With the push for net zero and the advances and investment in hydrogen from NGN and the other GDNs, I thought joining IGEM would be a great place to stay relevant and get involved with procedural changes within the industry. With IGEM owning a lot of the policies and procedures for gas such as the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure and tightness testing standards, it makes sense to become a member and use the tools and experience for CPD, but also to share my knowledge and experiences.
“IGEM organises a lot of informative CPD events with some of the industry’s best. IGEM also works with outside organisations such as the HSE to keep content informative. The journal (Gi) is great for keeping up to date with what’s going on in the world of gas – one recent edition was focused on hydrogen, which is something I am very interested in as it will change the industry as we know it,” he said. With the institution’s support, Andrew is looking to upgrade his professional status to IEng with the help of his IGEM mentor. He hopes this will help to further develop his career in gas.
Looking towards the future of gas, Andrew said: “Changes are ahead with the push for a low carbon sustainable fuel source to provide heat for homes and keep people cooking on gas. Hydrogen looks to be the most promising option for the industry; it can be used as a fuel in people’s homes and it can be used to generate power, so it’s possible that the country’s many gas turbine power stations could also be using hydrogen as a clean fuel to power the lights in our homes.”
His advice to any budding engineers reading this profile: “It’s a very rewarding industry to work in, and the scope is massive. From smart metering to emergency service providers to the more technical industrial and commercial aspects of the industry; every single role is vital to keeping the country safe and compliant. There are positives to take out of every situation. Don’t be afraid to network with other like-minded individuals and ask lots of questions.
“Never stop believing in yourself, or others. I would say the sky is the limit but, in reality, it’s limitless – there is no ceiling to your success. Never be afraid to network with new people and ask for help or advice and something I will never say enough: be kind.”