Glen Richardson’s Journey to Chartered Engineer Status
If you’re wondering why you should invest in your employees, you should look at our Director of Engineering
In our line of work the importance of investing in your own people is super important. Regardless of age or educational background, providing opportunities for professional qualifications is not just beneficial; it’s essential for the growth and success of both individuals and organisations they’re in.
At SMI it’s no different, and we’re super pleased and incredibly proud to be writing this – Glen Richardson, our Director of Engineering, has been awarded Chartered Engineer status by the Engineering Council and the Institute of Electrical Engineers!
Glen has been with us for over 27 years, learning and developing his skills and knowledge, ranging from manufacturing and materials, to testing, safety and design. His level of dedication, commitment, and professionalism has propelled him through the ranks of the company; a production technician, principal engineer, engineering manager, and finally, culminating in his appointment as a Director of Engineering in 2016. It’s a truly remarkable personal achievement, and achieving Chartered Engineer status finally recognises Glen’s efforts and his continual contribution to the engineering discipline.
This is a massive step for Glen and it’s a huge achievement that we’re so proud to have played a small part in. He’s an integral part of our team, and to see him achieve this – based on the huge amount of work he has put into self-improvement and learning – is the icing on the cake for us.
So why do we do it?
Why does, and who should, a company like ours invest in our people – especially in engineering? The answer can be broken down nicely into a simple blueprint.
Breaking Perceived Age and Educational Barriers
One of the barriers individuals face when pursuing professional qualifications is the misconception that age or educational background determines one’s ability to succeed. However, nothing could be further from the truth, and at SMI we know this incredibly well We know that investing in professional development enables individuals to break free from these limitations and realise their full potential.
Regardless of whether someone is a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, investing in continuous learning and development opens doors to new opportunities.
Unlocking Potential
Professional qualifications and development serve as a marker to an individual’s expertise, knowledge, and dedication. Whether it’s obtaining chartered status like Glen has, or acquiring a specialised certification, these qualifications not only enhance one’s professional credibility but also unlock new career pathways and advancement opportunities.
We know we feel it, but we also know that these types of achievements provide individuals with a sense of achievement and pride. By investing in their own development with the backing of their organisation, anyone can demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a willingness to go above and beyond to deliver high-quality solutions and services to clients and stakeholders. They might even see their own potential too.
Building a Culture of Excellence
Investing in professional development isn’t just about individual growth; it’s about cultivating a culture of excellence within organisations too. Employee development and education within companies demonstrates a commitment to nurturing talent and driving organisational success.
Organisations that invest in lifelong learning for their colleagues see increased employee engagement, enhanced job satisfaction, and improved retention rates. There is also the pride when you see someone you’ve supported achieve their goals. And for us, that is more than enough.
It’s a no-brainer, really it is. Every organisation in any industry should really examine their attitudes towards internal investment. The benefits are huge and go beyond financials. It’s about development and it’s about helping your own people achieve things that they thought they may never do.
And whilst this gave us a chance to reflect on exactly why we invest in our own people – what we really want to say is a huge congratulations to Glen! The work you’ve done is phenomenal, and the dedication you have is nothing short of inspiring.