Conversations at the Cutting Edge of Engineering
Guest: Andrew Gething, Lead Design Engineer
Embarking on a quest to spotlight Andrew Gething alongside a cadre of equally brilliant engineers through a series of insightful dialogues, Reach Further Online traces its lineage back to a heritage deeply entwined within the engineering realm, a commitment nurtured across a spectrum exceeding ten fruitful years. Our experience with this sector has shown us that one thing is constant, change. There is both a personal interest and a business need to remain in lockstep with the ever-evolving industry because, in the dynamic world of engineering, change is the only constant, driving us towards innovations that redefine our reality and underscore the essence of progress. There is always more to learn, and what better way to do this than with first-hand accounts emanating directly from the core of this vibrant industry – the engineers themselves. It is within their everyday hurdles, ground-breaking solutions, and forward-thinking visions that the domain of engineering sees continuous metamorphosis and becomes a source of inspiration.
In our constant quest for expansion and knowledge, we acknowledge the treasure trove of wisdom to be unearthed from these inspiring professionals who daily chart their course through the complex seas of engineering. Our ambition lies in assembling and deciphering data, equipping us to identify trends and furnish insights of a calibre that might remain elusive to engineers immersed within their specialities. We warmly extend an invitation to engineers stimulated by our revelations or those eager to share their distinctive insights in future dialogues to join forces with us. In undertaking this collective exploration and enlightenment, we aim to paint a comprehensive picture of the ever-evolving engineering world.
As we continue our journey, stay tuned because Reach Further Online is on a mission to illuminate the extraordinary intellects propelling the engineering sector onwards.
Insights and Inspirations from Andrew Gething – A feature presented by Reach Further Online
Andrew Gething’s journey through the labyrinth of the engineering world is narrative-rich with lessons on resilience, innovation, adaptability, and the spirit of entrepreneurialism.
With a career spanning over two decades across multiple sectors, Andrew’s path serves not only as a testimony to his individual prowess but also lights the way for current and future generations in the engineering field. This piece, delves into the life and achievements of an individual whose contributions extend significantly within the engineering discipline, highlighting Andrew as a shining example of dedication and innovative thinking in engineering. Beginning in 2001 as a lab technician for Electrolux, Andrew embarked on what would become a remarkable journey. His role in assessing the energy efficiency of electric appliances set the stage for a career characterised by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a penchant for practical application.
“One of the projects I contributed to involved the energy labelling system, which was introduced in 1992. The familiar A, B, C, D, E, F, G ratings seen on washing machines and other appliances were already in use. However, my role focused on an important phase where we reviewed the existing benchmarks and introduced a new set of targets and applications for the labelling system.”
While working, Andrew pursued a Master’s Degree in Automotive and Mechanical Engineering from Newcastle University, seamlessly blending academic pursuits with practical experience—a hallmark of his approach to professional growth.
During his university years, Andrew was deeply involved in the practical side of engineering, dedicating himself to rigorous work schedules, hitting a target every hour, over 12-hour shifts. At that time, he was hands-on in planning tooling swap outs, testing and certifying parts, and ensuring everything was created to meet targets.
In another domain, Andrew played a key role in designing hydraulic test rigs for powertrain testing, showcasing his ability to tackle intricate problems and contribute valuable solutions in engineering. Despite the allure of his diverse experiences, Andrew prefers to be discreet about his contributions to front-end engineering design (FEED) studies that spanned from offshore wind to subsea resources.
This cautious approach highlights not just his versatile engineering expertise but also a thoughtful consideration of the impact and confidentiality of his work. Andrew’s journey in engineering, marked by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to problem-solving, illustrates his belief in the vast possibilities within the field, even as he navigates its complexities with both enthusiasm and discretion. His resilience was put to the test during the downturn in the oil and gas market and the financial crisis of 2008. These moments, fraught with personal and professional peril, highlighted his tenacity and unwavering spirit. Andrew’s journey through adversity was not solitary; it was cushioned by the solidarity of colleagues and the strength derived from loved ones, underscoring the importance of community in personal and career resilience.
Significantly, Andrew’s participation in a major cable lay project exemplifies his knack for overcoming design and manufacturing challenges through collaborative effort and innovative thinking. It’s in such projects that Andrew’s philosophy comes to the fore: the power of a holistic approach, effective leadership, teamwork, and flexibility to navigate complex engineering challenges.
We asked Andrew, “What advice would you give to your younger self, or young engineers entering the industry today?”
“Surround yourself with good, honest people who aren’t afraid to tell you their true opinion. Track your own happiness in different situations and feel confident in making changes if something isn’t working.”
“Don’t be afraid to change your path if you’re not happy with the project or people you are working with, no project or company is worth personal stress or discomfort. There are plenty of people out there needing help with their projects and a change of industry, people or projects can help stimulate your passion for the subject of engineering again. We’ve had ‘the fear’ of changing careers or paths hammered into us quite heavily by society.”
Gething continues, “Something they don’t teach you at university is how to deal with and overcome setbacks. They happen to everyone and it’s important to not take it personally. Avoid tying yourself to one dream. Be flexible, move with the times and diversify your experiences. That’s one of the reasons I make my own beer, I want to experiment, I want to taste different things. That’s my plan B. If engineering goes down, I’m going to set up a brewery. I do a bit of farming on the side as well. You always have to have different oars.”
Reflecting on his journey, Andrew holds his early contributions to energy efficiency in high regard. This endeavour not only showcased his ability to drive positive societal change but also attests to the broader impact engineers can have beyond the confines of their direct responsibilities.
We asked, “What do you see as being some of the biggest challenges facing the industry today?”
“I think the biggest criticism I have at the moment of the corporations is they want it done their way and they want you to comply like an internal resource, and follow the procedural path, and their house rules. They will not accept the fact that you can go away and do it differently, bring it back quicker and cheaper because it doesn’t fall within their systems. That’s the most frustrating thing from an engineering side of things. Because everybody does things differently. It would be boring if we all just sat there and solved every problem the same way. There are recommended ways and code, but if everyone designed everything the same way, every single product would be the same, and there would be no innovation. You’re not getting ahead anywhere. In fact, if anything, you’re putting yourself behind because you’re not pushing back against the bureaucracy that’s being forced on the industry. Nobody’s doing that anymore.”
Gething emphasises the value of creativity and the ability to approach problems from unique perspectives, qualities he believes are crucial for innovation and effective design. His observation that modern career trajectories in engineering are becoming increasingly linear and compliance-focused raises concerns about the potential stifling of innovation. He points out that while adherence to codes and regulations, especially concerning safety equipment, is essential, there should be room for creative problem-solving beyond these constraints.
“One of the best people I’ve ever worked for was a guy who never actually set out to be an engineer. He went into music, and then came into engineering. He was good at maths because he was good at music. He wanted to be a musician, and that didn’t go through, so he ended up in engineering. He was very creative, and he would try different things because he had that streak in him. If you want to be good at innovation and a good designer, you need to be creative. And, if you haven’t got a wide breadth of knowledge, you haven’t got that.”
Andrew recounts a particular experience with young engineers, illustrating the challenges of overly complex regulations. During this project, the team struggled to find the required cleanliness level for a hydraulic cylinder in a 17-page technical standard, only to discover it didn’t specify this crucial recommended oil cleanliness information.
Gething highlights that these scenarios often arise from regulatory bodies adopting an overly prescriptive methodology, rather than employing a guidance and allowable stress style approach, which would be more beneficial. This approach tends to prioritise compliance at the expense of practical applicability, inadvertently suppressing the potential for creativity in the engineering process. Such situations highlight the delicate balance between the essential need for regulation and the critical importance of encouraging innovation within the field of engineering.
“Standards should be guiding legislation, not a prescriptive set of rules and methodology, because you stick the same numbers in the same equations and the same geometry you all get the same answer, maybe more allowance for empirical testing is a good approach to allow more research and development, and innovation, and compliance through FAT (factory acceptance test).”
In conclusion, when we inquired about his views on engineers’ interaction with social media, Andrew shared, “Social media is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing risks, but nobody wants to do that. It’s a problem.”
This account, delivered by Reach Further Online, not only charts Andrew Gething’s significant contributions to engineering but also heralds a crucial message for the engineering community. As professionals in a discipline that often grapples with rigid compliance standards, there lies a potent opportunity to cultivate creativity within these frameworks. Gething’s career is a compelling testament to the fact that engineers can, and indeed must, harness compliance as a cornerstone for innovative problem-solving.
In addressing compliance and creativity, Andrew Gething’s perspective enriches the discourse on engineering practices, offering a valuable blueprint for melding these seemingly opposing forces. His journey serves as an inspirational and instructive narrative for engineers aspiring to transcend traditional boundaries, advocating for a balanced approach that advances the engineering field in compliance with its ethical standards and creative potential.
Key Takeaways
1. Interdisciplinary Experience Enriches Engineering Insight: Andrew’s journey illustrates the value of an interdisciplinary approach. By traversing different sectors within engineering, he developed a multifaceted skill set that allowed for innovative problem-solving and adaptability.
2. Continuous Learning is a Career Catalyst: Andrew advocates for ongoing professional development, whether through further education, certification, or engagement with the wider engineering community. This mindset is crucial for keeping pace with the ever-evolving technological landscape.
3. Resilience is Key to Navigating Career Challenges: Through economic downturns and personal hardships, Andrew demonstrated the criticality of resilience. The capacity to persevere through adversity is a defining trait of successful professionals.
4. Mentorship and Collaboration Drive Growth: Andrew’s emphasis on mentorship and teamwork highlights the importance of collective effort in the engineering world. Sharing knowledge and experiences not only fosters individual growth but also propels the industry forward.
5. Engineers have the power to effect societal change: Andrew’s work in energy efficiency highlights the broader impact engineers can have. By focusing on projects that resonate with global challenges, engineers can contribute to a more sustainable and informed world.
In summary, Andrew Gething’s exemplary career in engineering serves as a beacon for aspiring and established engineers alike. His trajectory, marked by versatility, innovation, and a profound understanding of the socio-technical dimensions of engineering, exemplifies the essence of the profession.
Through this narrative, Reach Further Online aims to inspire engineering professionals to look beyond traditional paradigms, seeking ways to leverage their skills for broader societal impact. Andrew’s story is a clear reminder that in the rapidly evolving world of engineering, the only constant is the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and a relentless drive to improve the world around us.
Contact Andrew: sales@designdynamics.ltd
Website: https://www.designdynamics.ltd/
