The Industry Wave

Episode 13 - Creating a Generation of Engineers: One Classroom at a Time with Susan Scurlock

In Episode 13 of The Industry Wave, we’re joined by Susan Scurlock MBE, founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer—one of the UK’s most influential voices in engineering education and inspiration. From a childhood shaped by curiosity and constraint, to building a nationwide movement that’s reached hundreds of thousands of young people, Susan shares the deeply personal story behind Primary Engineer. Her journey spans early barriers to pursuing engineering, a decade of life and creativity in Spain, and a return to education that ultimately sparked a mission: to ensure every child sees themselves as capable of becoming an engineer. This episode explores the power of inclusive, whole-class engagement, the importance of challenging assumptions, and the real-world impact of inspiring belief in young people—especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. Susan also reflects on the growing gap between interest in engineering careers and access to opportunities, and what needs to change to truly support the next generation. Insightful, honest, and full of purpose, this conversation highlights how one idea—done right—can ripple across classrooms, communities, and careers.

Episdoe 12 - Young Engineer of the Year: The Innovation Behind the Award with Zak Thomson

In Episode 12 of The Industry Wave, we celebrate a major milestone—one year of the podcast—by sitting down with rising engineering talent Zak Thomson, Scottish Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year 2025 and design engineer at Emtelle.  Recorded in the Scottish Borders, Zak shares his journey from a hands-on, uncertain school leaver to an award-winning innovator shaping global telecom solutions. Through the apprenticeship route, he built practical skills and a problem-solving mindset that led him to tackle a real-world customer challenge—developing a groundbreaking, low-cost method for installing fibre optic cable without the need for bulky ancillary equipment.  This episode dives into the story behind that innovation: from relentless testing and unexpected breakthroughs to the creation of a simple yet powerful device now driving global impact. Zak also reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and stepping outside your comfort zone—along with the value of trust, teamwork, and leadership early in a career.  Whether you're an aspiring engineer, industry professional, or simply curious about how ideas turn into real-world solutions, this episode offers an inspiring look at modern engineering in action.

Episode 11 - Building Confidence Through Apprenticeships with Nairn Moffat

In this episode of The Industry Wave, we’re delighted to welcome Nairn Moffat, Design & Manufacturing Engineer at Toshima and Scottish Engineering’s Graduate Apprentice of the Year 2025.   From discovering a passion for hands-on problem solving to forging his path through a Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeship with Glasgow Caledonian University, Nairn shares how work-based learning shaped his confidence and career.   We dive into the award-winning subsea desalination project that captured our judges’ attention (a complex 16-tonne pump module designed to operate 600 metres below sea level for eight years without maintenance.) Nairn speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, learning through feedback, technical challenges, and the responsibility that comes with seeing your name on the drawing — alongside the project’s potential to reduce energy use in offshore operations.   Join us as we explore the power of apprenticeships, supportive workplace cultures, and learning by doing — and why asking questions, choosing the right environment, and taking ownership remain key lessons for the next stage of Nairn’s engineering career.

Episode 10 - From Chemical Engineer to Champion for Change with Jennifer MacDonald

In episode 10 of The Industry Wave, we sit down with Scottish Engineering’s newest colleague, Jennifer MacDonald, as she reflects on a career that began with a simple question asked at age 15 and evolved into a global engineering and inclusion journey. From growing up on the west coast of Scotland to studying chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Jennifer shares how early curiosity, real-world exposure, and supportive mentors shaped her path into engineering. From offshore platforms in Newfoundland and the North Sea to national roles with NMIS, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Jennifer reflects on the realities of working in highly technical, male-dominated environments and how those experiences sparked her passion for diversity, inclusion, and visibility across the sector. Join us as we explore the power of asking the question, building connection, and creating welcoming engineering cultures — and hear why Jennifer believes Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing community is uniquely placed to support the next generation of talent.

Episode 9 - The Power of Mentorship in Engineering Leadership with Kerrie Murray

In episode 9 of The Industry Wave, we were delighted to sit down with our new President, Kerrie Murray the first from the North East of Scotland. Kerrie takes her place in Scottish Engineering’s rich 160-year history as the 90th President and the third consecutive woman to hold the role. From her early days in the small town of Turriff, inspired by a passionate maths teacher, to studying accountancy at the University of Aberdeen and building a career across energy and engineering, Kerrie reflects on the experiences, mentors, and pivotal moments that have shaped her path into leadership. Join us as we explore the realities facing Scotland’s engineering sector today, from navigating the energy transition to bridging skills gaps and fostering the next generation of talent. Kerrie shares her guiding principles of networking, mentoring, and teamwork, as well as the insights that have carried her from Deloitte to THREE60 Energy, offering an honest look at resilience, growth, and the responsibilities of modern engineering leadership. This conversation marks the beginning of her legacy as Scottish Engineering’s 90th President, and we are looking forward to seeing what the next two years of her tenure has in store.