National Engineering Day: A Sit Down with Hard Services’s Peter Wardle

National Engineering Day celebrates UK engineers by making their contributions visible, highlighting how they improve everyday lives and shape the future for the better. We sat down with Peter Wardle, Account Manager of Hard Services at OCS, to hear more about his inspiring career journey and the role models in his life which led him to this path. 

His journey into engineering was a natural one. Starting from a young age, Peter was influenced by his father who was also an engineer. He enjoyed dismantling and rebuilding things, starting with Meccano sets as a child. His passion extended to cars, where he loved working on petrol engines., Peter’s fascination with engineering and his family’s background in the field ultimately guided his career choice. His brother is also an electrical design engineer, currently working on a museum project in Cairo.

Peter began his engineering career as a fitter welder at Barrett and Wright, a mechanical engineering company. This early role helped him develop his technical skills and understanding of mechanical systems. However, due to health concerns related to his father’s work in the same industry, Peter decided to change his career path.

Peter then joined IBM in Croydon as a mechanical engineer, marking a pivotal moment in his career. His educational journey was equally diverse, starting with basic gas qualifications and an apprenticeship. Recognising the importance of continuous learning, Peter returned to college and then university to pursue electrical qualifications, completing the 236 A B C  and 2391 courses and then at university a BEng hons degree and then a MSc both in mechanical engineering . These qualifications broadened his expertise, enabling him to work as both a mechanical and electrical engineer.

During his time at IWM, Peter played a crucial role in improving reactive work statistics, increasing them from 80% to 95% within the Service Level Agreement (SLA) in three months. This rapid improvement demonstrated his dedication and ability to enhance operational efficiency. After his contract at IBM ended, Peter took on a new role at the Royal Museums of Greenwich, which was the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory at the time.

One significant project Peter worked on was with a company called IFTEC, where he helped install a ground source heating system. This system involved drilling two wells, each about 50 metres deep, into an aquifer. The system used the natural temperature differences in the water from these wells to heat and cool buildings.

At the Royal Museums of Greenwich, Peter managed a significant £2.5 million contract. His responsibilities involved both mechanical and electrical engineering tasks, ensuring the preservation of historical artefacts. One of the key challenges he faced was maintaining the balance between energy savings and the stringent environmental conditions required to preserve artefacts. Peter emphasised the importance of maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels to protect items such as paintings and fabrics. He noted that while customers often sought to reduce energy consumption, it was crucial to priorities the preservation of artefacts by maintaining the necessary environmental conditions.

Currently, he is involved in replacing the entire Building Management System (BMS) at IWM Lambeth, which optimises the building’s temperature and humidity. This project is teaching Peter the importance of innovative solutions in engineering and the need to adapt to new methods of working.

Peter’s expertise and commitment to his work have been instrumental in managing and preserving historical sites. His ability to navigate the complexities of maintaining historical buildings, coupled with his technical skills, has made him a valuable asset in the field of engineering. His journey from a fitter welder to a mechanical engineer highlights the significance of adaptability, continuous learning and dedication in achieving professional success.

Peter advised those starting their careers as engineering apprentices to carefully choose their field, whether it be electrical, mechanical or structural engineering. He shared, “I chose mechanical because I enjoy the nuts and bolts of that part of engineering. But electrical is probably the way I should have chosen from leaving school.” He stressed the importance of being versatile, noting that future engineers need to be multi-disciplined, possessing diverse skills in both electrical and mechanical engineering.

Peter also shared his thoughts on the characteristics he looks for in the next generation of engineers. Peter defines an engineer as someone who can think on their feet and outside the box. He values resilience, adaptability and commitment. “It’s important for future engineers to be adaptable and willing to learn,” Peter explains. “The field is always evolving, so staying updated with the latest technologies and methods is crucial.”.

He believes that the future of engineering will focus heavily on sustainability and adapting to new technologies. He expressed that many traditional skills such as welding, are being lost as the industry moves towards more computer-based and energy-efficient methods. “It’s important to think about saving energy, saving the planet, which I believe in as well,” he said, highlighting the need for upgrading electrical infrastructure to be more sustainable.

Regarding AI, Peter sees its potential in manufacturing and building management systems. However, he feels that AI is not yet fully integrated into the installation side of engineering. He emphasised that engineering remains a hands-on field requiring a practical, can-do attitude. “You can’t work from home,” he stated, stressing the importance of being on-site to effectively perform engineering tasks.

Peter’s journey from a young enthusiast dismantling Meccano sets to a seasoned engineer overseeing complex projects embodies the key message of National Engineering Day. His dedication to continuous learning, adaptability and innovative problem-solving highlights the vital role engineers play in our society. By celebrating engineers like Peter, we recognise their contributions to building a sustainable and technologically advanced future. National Engineering Day not only honours current engineers but also inspires future generations by showcasing different role models, encouraging young minds to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in the field of engineering.