We talked to Harry McDaid, Director at Ashton Fire, to discuss his professional registration journey via the new Experience route.
Harry McDaid BSc(Hons) CEng MCIBSE MIFireE MIEI
Can you give us an overview of your career?
I graduated from Letterkenny Institute of Technology (now known as Atlantic Technology University) with a BSc in Architectural Technology and a BSc (Hons) in Fire Safety Engineering. During my studies, I was also involved with the Donegal Auxiliary Fire Service. I moved to the UK in 2013, where I started my career as a Fire Engineer. In 2019, I co-founded Ashton Fire, which has grown to over 70 employees.
What does it mean to you to become a member of CIBSE and achieve the Chartered Engineer (CEng) status?
Professional recognition is significantly important within Fire Engineering and so I am very proud to become a Chartered Engineer and a member of CIBSE. I look forward to utilising my status to mentor and support my colleagues and fellow fire engineers in the industry to achieve their own CEng status and become members of CIBSE.
How did you find the process of gaining membership and professional registration via the new Experience route?
The entire process has been excellent. The support provided from CIBSE throughout the entire process, specifically the transparency, responsiveness and consistency were refreshing. Even during the interview process, the interviewers actively tried to reduce any anxiety and created a welcoming environment. I am very grateful for being given the opportunity to pilot the new Experience route and I actively encourage all my colleagues and fire engineering peers in industry to apply with CIBSE so they too can experience the supportive, transparent and professional culture from a well-renowned international institution.
To learn more about achieving professional registration with CIBSE, visit cibse.org/registration and follow the steps.