Member stories
We talked to Harry McDaid, Director at Ashton Fire, to discuss his professional registration journey via the new Experience route.
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.
James Nutkins, Senior Project Manager at TRI Control Systems LTD, reflects on achieving professional registration via the new Experience route.
What inspired you to become professionally registered?
I’m part of a family run business. Becoming professionally recognised is not only a great personal achievement, it also demonstrates to our customers the level of engineering we are working to and our commitment to continual professional development. It’s going to really help us stand out from the crowd.
How did you find the application process via the new Experience route?
It was very straightforward and a much quicker way to becoming professionally recognised.
Do you have any advice for someone considering professional registration with CIBSE?
Use the guidance and resources available. You can find everything you need is on the CIBSE website. Give yourself plenty of time to provide a high quality, detailed application. With the new application timeline there's no need to rush to try and meet a deadline.
To learn more about achieving professional registration with CIBSE, visit cibse.org/registration.