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National Engineering Day 2023 – from engineer to entrepreneur: solving problems and taking opportunities

November 1, 2023

• engineering

To mark National Engineering Day, we asked one of our Directors, Lloyd Gardener, to reflect on his engineering career and his path from apprentice to business owner.

How did you get into engineering?

When I finished my GCSEs I wanted to do something practical and get a job where I could solve problems. I started an apprenticeship at a local engineering business called Allen Diesels which was later bought out by Rolls-Royce. I completed my apprenticeship as an electro-mechanical engineer in 2000 and was lucky to benefit from a wealth of experience within the team. I then continued in education for a further five years to study electrical and electronic engineering. I was mentored by some individuals who really instilled in me the attributes that I use on a daily basis even now.

What path did your career take after your apprenticeship?

I spent the next 10 years gaining a wealth of practical experiences, working within the power generation industry, running, servicing and maintaining multiple power and pumping stations, before moving into the world of suction excavators in 2007. I then became a service manager, looking after the repairs and maintenance of suction excavators until 2013 when my wife and I decided to pursue our idea of starting our own business.

What do you like best about engineering?

I think it’s a really rewarding career if you enjoy finding innovative solutions to complex problems, fault-finding, feeling successful at the end of the day, and working hard to solve a problem that then results in great feedback from the customer or client. It requires critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to think outside the box. Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving and advancing. As an engineer, you have the opportunity to engage in continuous learning which enables you to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies.

Why should people get into engineering?

It’s well-publicised that there is a skill shortage in this area, so as well as all the personal rewards of the job, I feel like there’s never been more appreciation for the work that good engineers do. I am fortunate to have learned from and worked with some great engineers. The one thing I would say is that really good engineers seem to have high job satisfaction, and I guess that’s because it’s a job where you can actively solve problems day in and day out. I definitely feel that engineering is a highly sought-after profession with excellent job prospects and huge opportunities for career growth.

What skills have you transferred from your career as an engineer across to your journey as a business owner and entrepreneur?

As I’ve mentioned, the resilience and persistence of engineers is a common theme. Owning your own business is a constant stream of challenges, but if you’re not afraid of solving problems and coming up with improvements, then it’s hugely rewarding. I think a lot of the confidence I gained in my own ability in the first part of my career has been significant in keeping us on a successful path with our own business. I also think that having been an engineer really helps me with managing the business because I understand what I’m asking of our team and I understand the challenges they’re facing.

What did you think your career would look like when you started your engineering apprenticeship and how is the reality different?

I’m not sure I had an exact idea, I just knew I enjoyed what I did! Over time the experiences I had and the people I met shaped me, and I definitely had good people around me to provide me with the challenges I needed to develop my confidence as well as my engineering ability. Those people also taught me a lot about taking opportunities when they arise, not putting things off or getting too comfortable and I’m proud to say that I can see that ethos all throughout our team at RSP UK.