Motorsports Engineering graduate, Ian Myers, is currently the youngest to achieve Fellow status of the IMechE after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire.
With a keen interest in engineering, particularly towards cars after seeing his father work at Rolls Royce, Ian studied Meng (Hons) Motorsports Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire.
Following his GCSEs, Ian undertook a BTEC in general Engineering where he saw the opportunity to study motorsports. Talking about his degree choice, Ian said: “UCLan was one of the few universities which offered a Motorsports engineering degree.”
During his time at University, Ian and his course mates worked on a Formula Student competition entry for the national motorsport event. It was the first time UCLan had entered a car with a carbon fibre composite monocoque (chassis). Talking about his experience at Formula Student, Ian said: “I enjoyed the camaraderie with course mates and lecturers, many of whom I am still in contact with. Formula Student helped my interpersonal skills which are important in any form of employment but particular in engineering project management.”
Ian graduated in 2015, with a First in Meng (Hons) Motorsports Engineering, he was awarded the IMechE, best student, Frederic Barnes award and received an award for best master’s student. These awards made graduation more special for Ian and he was able to celebrate his achievements with friends and family.
After graduation, Ian decided to pursue a career in mechanical engineering. Talking about his career decision, Ian said: “A lot of the engineering principles I had learnt could be applicable to any engineering industry. I wanted to challenge myself to a different area of engineering.”
Ian secured a two-year graduate scheme in mechanical engineering at Babcock International Group, based at Devonport Royal Dockyard in their Naval Nuclear Marine sector. He also had secondments and placements in other parts of the UK as part of the graduate scheme.
Following completion of the graduate scheme, Ian joined the Nuclear Facilities team as a Senior Project Engineer. A year later, he moved into the role of Project Manager for Nuclear Facilities and completed a project upgrading and extending the life of a floating onsite asset that is used for a critical phase of the submarine maintenance programme.
Currently, Ian is working as a Senior Project Manager within Nuclear Facilities. This role involves being responsible for complex multi-million-pound engineering programmes on a Nuclear Licensed site. These can vary from decommissioning, upgrades, or new facilities to support the Submarine maintenance programme.
"The Motorsports degree offered by UCLan is accredited by the IMechE which is an important step to becoming Chartered, which is a life ambition for most engineers."
— Ian Myers, Meng (Hons) Motorsports Engineering graduate
In 2021, Ian was awarded Fellow status of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). At the age of 28, Ian is currently the youngest Fellow within the Institution.
Ian has been part of the IMechE Devon and Cornwall Area Committee since 2016. He has held positions such as Professional Development Coordinator, Vice-Chair, Secretary and is now an Advisory Committee Member.
Talking about how studying at UCLan has had an impact on his career journey, Ian said: “My degree taught me a lot about the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, a basis which I use regularly when interfacing with design engineers. The Motorsports degree offered by UCLan is accredited by the IMechE which is an important step to becoming Chartered, which is a life ambition for most engineers.”
He continued: “As the first person in my family to go to university it makes me immensely proud that I have been able to use my degree to enhance my career as I have been afforded a wide range of opportunities so early in my career.”
