Career Profiles: Michael Barrett

Excelling at the technical and scientific subjects at school I was always destined to become an Engineer. With so many different types of Engineer it was difficult to decide which type I wanted to be.

A preference for the outdoor environment attracted me towards a degree course in Civil Engineering, thus narrowing my options. Still uncertain about the implications of my decision I approached a local Structural Engineer for some advice. Andrew Weir, Consulting Engineer, kindly invited me to work alongside him in the summer between school and college to learn more about my intended career. As I observed the design, detailing and construction process for various housing developments, offices and university buildings it became obvious that a career in Structural Engineering was for me.

Whilst studying for a Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree at the University of Abertay - Dundee I gained invaluable experience working with the Tay River Purification Board and the Highland Regional Council Roads Division as part of my sandwich course.

On graduating with a Second Class Honours Degree in 1994 I joined Scott-White & Hookins as a Trainee Engineer at their Bedford Office and have never looked back. Since joining the Practice I have been responsible for the design, drawing and site inspection of various types and sizes of project. As an Engineer I took more responsibility for the management of any construction project and dealt with architects, contractors, surveyors and other engineers on a daily basis. My design work includes developing innovative structures using various materials such as steel, timber and aluminium. The design process requires me to utilise the latest computer analysis programs as well as using more traditional methods to calculate the strength and behaviour of these structures.

The next step was to gain practical experience with a contractor and Scott-White & Hookins arranged for me to spend a year working on site with Kier Construction at Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth. The project involved the refurbishing of two dry docks for the refitting of nuclear submarines with the dock protected against damage from seismic events in the area.

Returning to the office as a Senior Engineer, the type and size of each project I am involved with means that my skills as an engineer are tested daily. With a large portfolio of projects offering new opportunities each day a full commitment to my work is essential - but the rewards are high. My recent projects include the analysis of concert stage frames, civil engineering work at Cranfield University and a variety of office developments in Cambridge, Milton Keynes and St. Albans. I have also been involved in the refurbishment of the listed Cardington Airship hangars and other local buildings of historic and structural interest.

I am currently the Graduate and Student Representative for the Bedfordshire and Adjoining Counties Branch of The Institution of Structural Engineers helping to promote the Institution within my area and assisting new members. I am also looking forward to sitting the Institution Examination in the near future to become a qualified Chartered Structural Engineer.

I believe that being a Structural Engineer provides me with the opportunity to enhance the environment and the community. It gives me immense satisfaction to watch my designs transform into actual construction on site.

My ambitions beyond Chartership are to become an Associate within the Practice with managerial as well as technical responsibilities and hopefully one day manage my own practice.

Michael Barrett
BEng(Hons)
Scott-White & Hookins