b'Partner News Winter 2023 17EnterpriseThe most difficult management experienceIm required to operate across different would become career defining, whereby Idomains, providing engineering support received a commendation in recognition forfor marine, land, air, and commercial tasks, excellence, having consistently deliveredserving as the projects Lead Technical in what can only be described as anConsultant. intensive and frenetic regeneration from Upkeep. Having spent four months on deployed operations and attempting to nurture the platform into a well-needed maintenance period, unfortunately, there was an unexpected, short notice change in programme and a requirement to deploy for the Middle East.Due to the severity of the tasking, I was given two days to create the work package This moment would come whilst deployedfor a one-month tropical maintenance in the Gulf of Oman. The platformperiod that would prepare the platform experienced two major defects on theto deploy for approximately six months. propulsion system, combined, this reducedDuring this time, I was required to provide the propulsion capability to approximatelya minimum of two weeks leave to the 50%. Caused by a newly installed upgradeentire department, which meant that I in which I had a pivotal role, I was the onlywould forego my leave as I consistently person onboard the platform that had theworked to deliver the best material state.Inspiration potential to repair it. Against all odds, andThis determination later became a majorEvery step forward, no matter how small, after five days in a machinery space, withcontributing factor to the award of theis still progress towards your ultimate temperatures surpassing 50 degrees, myFrigate Effectiveness Trophy for 2019.destination, and the satisfaction that comes team and I rectified both defects, restoringwith accomplishing something difficult. full operational capability.The transitionKnowledge and experience provides the My final assignment in the RN was as anpower to create innovative solutions that Managementequipment authority and subject mattercan change the world. I would go on to be promoted at the firstexpert for stabilisers and steering gear opportunity, reaching the peak of mysystems. They say its difficult to enter theThe AWL veterans support team provides profession, and I was now positioned toarmed forces at 16 years old, but pictureinvaluable guidance and resources for be tested in possibly the most difficultleaving the armed forces after nearly 24transitioning back into civilian life and endeavour the RN has to offer. In thisyears in an institution that has shapedexploring opportunities for employment position, I found myself accountable for aand moulded you to meet a specificoutside of the military.department of engineers responsible forrequirement. delivering all power generation, propulsion,To learn more about how you could auxiliary services, and maintenance on aThere were options within the RN, but Ibenefit from the AWL Veterans Support four-and-a-half thousand-tonne warship,knew this was my opportunity, and I seizedvisit our website: www.allanwebb.co.ukthat engaged in front-line operations in theit. Technically, you ask yourself questions, Middle East and Baltic Protector.and mentally, you need validation, but in order to grow professionally, I told myself I had to leave. In my transition to civilian life, I set myself technical goals, which included earning an MSc in Engineering ManagementKnowledge and expertise and becoming a CEng. Its important to haveprovide the power to create a good strategy and I achieved everythinginnovative solutions that can anticipated during the resettlement period. change the world.I was approached by a company called Allen Webb Ltd (AWL), which was an intriguing prospect because it was a company I was familiar with and had previous relations. AWL is a provider of supportability services and technical documentation. I am now the Engineering Manager for Support Engineering, and I also support other delivery teams in the completion of the wider engineering occupation.'