Q&A: Considering a different discipline after Graduation

Who are you, what is your job role and what do you do?

My name is Liam Ashton and I’m currently working as a Pre-Construction engineer at Alpine Fire Engineers Ltd who specialise in the design, project management and maintenance of active fire suppression systems. My role is to bridge the gap between proposals and project delivery.

I make sure each department involved in operational delivery knows the requirements of the project. The role has expanded into project planning where I map out the design, fabrication, and installation sequences from start to finish, identifying in advance where challenges for ‘on time’ delivery might be.

Can you tell us about any current projects that you’re working on?

Our Pre-Construction department handles all major sprinkler projects. They can range from small shopping centre fit outs to large scale projects. Some of our clients include Amazon, DHL, Coca Cola, and Tesco, to name only a few. The variety of clients and projects ensures that no two days are the same and allows us to display our adaptability and versatility creating bespoke, tailored solutions depending on the requirements of each unique facility.

A few examples of projects I am currently working on include Amazon, Lidl and Greggs. These are all large-scale, highly automated facilities requiring fire suppression solutions. I work closely on the planning and programmes by aligning the installation sequences and making them as efficient as possible.

What was your career path and how did it lead you to where you are now?

My route into the industry began when I went to university and secured a mechanical engineering degree. However, as seems to be the case with a lot of young people when they graduate, I initially couldn’t find the right opportunity and ended up working in hospitality to pay the bills.

This wasn’t fulfilling though, and I said to myself that ‘enough is enough’ as I wanted something better for myself. Fortunately, I discovered the Alpine trainee recruitment initiative and I knew straight away that it was the perfect fit for me.

One of the best aspects of the scheme is that you are able to join a successful engineering company without being the finished article from a skills perspective, as there’s a comprehensive training program to get you up to speed.

Alpine offer superb access into all areas of the business too, not just the departments that you think you’ll like or seem the most exciting. As a result, when it comes to finishing your training rotation, you have a fully rounded view of how each department functions and good relationships with the employees that work within them.

Knowing that I’d be able to work across different departments was a real draw and has proved so helpful in my progression.

What do you enjoy most about your current role and company?

I love this job. It is challenging and rewarding. I help in achieving the best possible start to a project! I see myself involved in many aspects of the operational delivery for the company. I have helped in enhancing a number of Alpine solutions to deliver a quicker and more cost-effective output. Our focus on programme planning in particular is increasingly effective as we work alongside other industries in completing a project – this was a future focused investment by Alpine. I enjoy the freedom of expanding into new territories too, and Alpine support this whole-heartedly. I can’t stress enough how much Alpine have progressed my career and I wouldn’t have dreamed of handling projects on such massive scales. It is worlds apart from my previous hospitality job and I will never look back.

Another element I must mention is Alpine’s focus on employee wellbeing and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and part of the team. In this industry, there’s a perception that it’s all about getting the job done and an emphasis on the end result only, but at Alpine there’s a real commitment to making all employees feel supported. There’s also a great team spirit which is fostered by regular team-building activities and events. My favourite is the annual pool tournament – it can get competitive but is a great laugh.

What would be your main piece of advice to students looking to pursue a career in engineering?

It’s easy to be locked in thinking you will get a job in Formula 1 or work at Space X, which is the dream of most engineers, but you also have to be realistic about potential career routes.

I must admit that when this opportunity came around I was sceptical, however once I settled in at Alpine and started working on different projects, I learned that it doesn’t necessarily matter what your favourite discipline is, the sequence of tasks is the same and the skills can be applied across all engineering sectors.

My advice to anyone thinking about pursuing a career in engineering is simple – take the chance, as I did, and don’t worry about potentially being outside your comfort zone as you can learn on the job and unlock new skills as you progress. Sprinklers might be under the radar for most people, but Alpine is the best company I have ever worked for, and I can’t thank them enough for the time and money they have devoted to supporting my progression, and helping me to build the current career I have.

Liam Ashton, Pre-Construction engineer at Alpine Fire Engineers Ltd.

The Student Engineer is a special channel of The Engineer aimed at educating and inspiring engineering undergraduates about the career opportunities in engineering and also offering practical advice on how they can access these opportunities. 

Click here for more content.