Career Spotlight: Engineering
5 March 2024 - All
At the end of February, we were delighted to welcome Edward Eagleton into School to speak to us about his career in engineering, specifically focusing on his work in the nuclear sector.
Edward has a background in mechanical engineering and has worked largely in the nuclear industry for the majority of his career. He started work in a management training position for British Nuclear Fuels Limited at Sellafield and then worked for Magnox at Bradwell power station, in the defuelling, reactor physics and safety case and decommissioning project teams. Since 2017, he has worked for Nuclear Restoration Services at Hinkley Point A Power Station, initially in decommissioning projects but more recently managing the nuclear safety and compliance engineering team.
Edward shared his career journey with pupils from different year groups along with Sixth Form pupils from four local schools: Highcrest Academy, RGS High Wycombe, John Hampden and Wycombe High School. Edward talked about his route into engineering and different decisions and opportunities along his career pathway. He also shared helpful advice about university, finding his first graduate job and the importance of doing something that you enjoy, as well as continuing to challenge yourself throughout your working life. He discussed how working in the nuclear sector is both challenging and yet hugely worthwhile and how important it is that skilled engineers choose this pathway, not just for our generation but for future generations.
Following Edward’s talk, pupils had the chance to ask questions and discuss what was shared, and then he and Dr Corvan (Head of Physics) asked pupils to work in a series of round-table workshop challenges together. They collaborated on possible scenarios, discussed solutions and presented back to the larger group. There was a great buzz in the room and pupils left inspired to consider the wealth of possibilities of pursuing a career in engineering.
One pupil said, ‘I would like to express my gratitude in attending this talk on Thursday. It was a truly valuable experience to listen and the workshop provided us with an excellent insight into to the tasks undertaken by engineers.’
Our next Career Spotlight will take place on Tuesday 5 March and will form part of our broader awareness for National Careers Week. We will focus on the importance of English and welcoming two Wycombe Abbey Seniors back to School to speak. Clarissa Ward (C206, Pitt, 1998) is Chief International Correspondent at CNN and Emily Davis (C266, Butler, 2009) is Brand Communications Director at Wella.
Mrs Becky Scott
Careers Administrator
Our series of Career Spotlights happen periodically throughout the school year where we invite inspiring speakers to share real-life accounts of their experiences: the highs, the lows, and some tips for success. The talks allow pupils to hear from industry experts and to ask questions in an informal environment which they may use to cement the choices they have made, or perhaps steer them towards a profession or degree subject they had not considered.
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