An Ipswich-based Structural Engineer is celebrating after achieving Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status from the Engineering Council just five years after leaving sixth form.
Liam Swann, 24, joined structural engineering design business, Superstructures, in 2019 from One Sixth Form College in Ipswich.
The company’s first apprentice, while working for the business he attended Anglia Ruskin University part-time studying for his BSc in Civil Engineering.
While doing his degree, he was promoted to Senior Apprentice and took on responsibility for overseeing specific areas of development for all new apprentices in the team.
He qualified at the end of 2024 and later achieved his IEng status, just a year after his graduation and five years after starting his career.
Liam said: “Normally IEng status takes seven to eight years to accomplish as you have to build up a portfolio of work that you have undertaken, then submit it, before sitting an exam and being interviewed.
“There is no doubt in my mind that my IEng status is down to the degree apprentice route, which has enabled me to get that valuable ‘on the job’ training while studying at university, something I wouldn’t have been able to do if I was a full-time student.
“To do this has been a lot of hard work, but it has been worth it.
“Being a Degree Apprentice at Superstructures sped up my professional development; it’s a win-win for both of us.
“Superstructures has someone who is qualified and committed to the team, who brings a younger approach to structural engineering design.
“For me, I was being paid and gaining valuable experience in the career I wanted to pursue, as well as having almost no debt from my studying and a guaranteed job when I qualified.
“What has been brilliant is that I have been given the opportunity to go back to Suffolk One to talk to young people about careers in construction and the degree apprenticeship route.
“I am looking forward to working towards the next step, which is Chartered Engineer status.”
James Potter, Managing Director at Superstructures, said: “Our Apprentices are all key members of our team with huge potential for the future.
“Well done to Liam, our first Apprentice, on this terrific result.
“The Engineering Council is the professional body that represents all civil and structural engineers and in normal circumstances after getting your degree, it would take at least another three to four years to achieve IEng status, so Liam’s achievement is something worth celebrating.
“Employing well-rounded young people in the business, who we can develop alongside their education is, absolutely, the way forward and enables us to keep growing as a company.”