The Industry Wave

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

26 min · 8 de abr de 2026
portada del episodio Episdoe 12 - Young Engineer of the Year: The Innovation Behind the Award with Zak Thomson

Descripción

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.

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14 episodios

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

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.

13 de may de 202629 min
episode Episdoe 12 - Young Engineer of the Year: The Innovation Behind the Award with Zak Thomson artwork

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.

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episode Episode 11 - Building Confidence Through Apprenticeships with Nairn Moffat artwork

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.

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

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

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