The Post: Sustainability & Quality Engineer, AG Ltd
The Post Holder: Catherine Campbell
An interest in the environment and design led Catherine Campbell down her career path and into her current role as a Sustainability Engineer.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subjects were Maths and Physics.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Yes, I did an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at UWS (University of the West of Scotland). After I completed that, I went on to obtain a masters in Environmental Engineering at Queens University, Belfast.
How did you get into your area of work?
After my masters I embarked on a KTP (knowledge transfer programme) with Queen’s University Belfast and AG, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of innovative concrete products.
The project involved designing a new product which would use environmentally friendly material substitutions as well as have a surface protection that would increase the durability and longevity of the product. The overall aim of the project would be to help reduce urban heat islands in large cities.
My initial focus was on the quality side of things, concentrating on product replacements and introducing new processes. I then made a natural progression to the carbon footprint side of the company. I supported AG’s sustainability agenda, focusing on bringing the sustainability and quality departments together.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
In a way, yes, it was a natural progression to where I am now. Ever since I was little, I have always been focused on the environment, joining an environmental club at the age of 9. As I got older, I was interested in buildings and wanting to design them in every way – from the design and construction phase of the building right through to the interior design phase. Throughout school I loved Maths and Physics and initially considered studying architecture at university. However, after a conversation with my careers advisor she suggested that my interest in these subjects would lend itself well to civil engineering which would still involve dealing with the design of buildings but would also allow me to use these subjects. I took her advice and went on to study civil engineering, eventually merging my love of the environment and design together in my current role.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
To be accepted onto the KTP it was essential to hold an undergraduate degree in a subject related to the project you would be working on. Therefore, my civil engineering degree was essential and the masters was desirable. During my KTP I worked in the construction manufacturing industry for 3 years which helped towards getting my new role.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
There could be other alternatives to similar job roles through apprenticeships etc, however I’m not 100% sure of this. In my civil engineering degree, there was the option to join in year 3, after completing a course in college.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
The main skills are a willingness to learn and the ability to think outside the box. In my role we are creating products and processes that are transforming the construction industry and to do that requires innovation and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to carry out critical observation. I think anyone in this role is naturally curious and creative to some degree. Of course, teamwork is vital, as is patience (and lots of it!)
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day doesn’t exist! One day I might be in the lab conducting trials and testing new products whereas other days I can be found on the factory floor carrying out full scale factory trials, working with my colleagues to ensure everything is running smoothly, standards are being met and audits are up to date. If any issues are uncovered, we work together to get it fixed quickly and efficiently.
On another day I might be planting native wildflowers, purchasing pollinator friendly hedges or researching and sourcing environmentally friendly material alternatives to trial for use in the factory.
My typical day is very busy and involves a wide range of tasks but it is never monotonous and is never boring.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I think one of the best things about the job is to know that you are helping towards reducing the carbon footprint of the company and subsequently helping towards the huge problem of global warming world-wide. I also love the fact that no two days are the same. My role involves facing many different challenges such as machinery breakdowns and discrepancies in production which all need a quick solution, allowing me to really think outside the box to determine what could have went wrong. It is rewarding to be part of the AG team, working together to brainstorm ideas and put them into action to remediate the problem (although not all challenges are as simple!)
Why is what you do important?
It is important to understand the impact actions have on the environment and look for ways to do better. The construction industry is notorious for having a high carbon footprint and to ensure we reach the Paris Agreement and COP26 target for net zero by 2050, firms must look for more sustainable practices.
At AG we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations to an absolute minimum and that is so important. As well as introducing an electric fleet into our business, we have also invested in solar panels, created our own cement replacement as well as introduced new processes into our production line to minimise its environmental impact. This commitment has led to AG having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry and that is something we as a team are very proud of. We have also recently pledged to reduce our carbon footprint by a further 30% by 2030.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Go for it! Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry and this is only going to become more of a priority as the government pushes its 2050 Net Zero target so it is an ideal time to enter this line of work.
Also, don’t be afraid if you don’t start out in your ideal role. My initial focus was on the quality side of production, but as time went on, I was able to create a more blended role which included a focus on sustainability as well which was always my overall goal, so opportunities do come.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
If I wasn’t working in the construction industry I would like to work with renewable energy, in particular wind turbines.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Ask all those silly questions you have and are too scared to ask, because one day when you have more confidence you are going to ask them anyway!
Describe your ideal day off.
On my days off I love to get outdoors and clear my mind. An ideal day off involves hiking up a mountain with family or friends – including a really good lunch (you need a treat on your day off) – before relaxing at home with a long bath and glass of wine or catching up with friends.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Put aside time to search up all the jobs and take time on each application. Don’t let rejection knock you down, everyone has been rejected from a job at one stage of their life, even CEOs. And I think it’s best to not focus on one specific job role, the more open you are the more choices and chances of getting hired you have!
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