Spotlight on EngTech: Mark McManus
Our regular case studies examine the lives and careers of our members and the ways in which IGEM has supported them on the path to success. Marketing Communications Co-ordinator Jordanne Allsopp spoke to Mark McManus, who started out as a trainee, worked his way up the ladder to become a Senior Pipeline Engineer at Cadent Gas Ltd, and proudly achieved EngTech status too.
Mark’s career began nearly 19 years ago when he became an adult trainee for SGN, where he worked on gas mains and service replacement projects within the district. This involved service laying, main laying and gas escape works including working standby within the district.
Seven years later, he moved to Manchester to work as a contractor with National Grid, covering the North West, West Midlands and East Midlands networks. He said: “My role was to complete on site works for National Grid, including cathodic protection and in-line inspection (ILI), defect excavation and repairs.
“I then moved into the office to manage the teams delivering this workload for National Grid, including site visits, progress meetings and building tender packages with the internal department.”
After five years, Mark joined National Grid as a Network Supervisor within the East Midlands network. He managed several contractors to deliver CAPEX works, which included ILI and defect remediation works.
His current role as Cadent’s Senior Pipeline Engineer within the above 2 bar team in the North West involves driving legislation and policy compliance within the network, with Mark acting as the subject matter expert.
Mark says the standout moment of his career so far was when his project reached the shortlist for Capital Project of the Year in the Utility Week Awards 2021. He said: “To go up against some of the best projects in Britain was a real achievement and a reminder about what can be done when we engage new techniques in the gas industry. Unfortunately, it didn’t win but the whole gala ball experience was fantastic.”
His goals for the future are to continue with his professional accreditations and to share his knowledge with others.
He said: “I want to share my knowledge and experience with the new wave of talent we’re bringing into the industry. This is something I have enjoyed while mentoring trainees and will continue to do for years to come.
“Every day is a school day, so I’m always looking to learn and help shape the future as we move forward to a net zero environment.”
On becoming an IGEM EngTech member, Mark said: “Having my EngTech status approved allowed me to gauge if my knowledge and experience could be recognised without having any official qualifications from a university.
“The title of EngTech is valued within the industry and it allows you to be recognised as a competent person within your role.
“I know IGEM will continue to support me in the future by sharing new policies and procedures which will impact or feed into the daily tasks I face.”
As for the road ahead, Mark is keen to get involved with Cadent’s hydrogen schemes in the future.
He said: “On a personal level, it is really exciting to see how as a company we can drive change and deliver on our commitments.
“If you’re thinking about joining the gas industry, you should do it; you will have a fantastic career where you will learn all the different aspects of getting gas into customers’ properties.
“As the future progresses, you could be part of shaping the industry as we push forward with our commitments for a net zero and decarbonised industry.”
His advice for newcomers to the industry is to always listen and never be afraid to ask questions.
“Even if you think the question doesn’t sound correct, ask it. I learned that the more you ask, the more you learn. Attend as many training courses as you can and network yourself out to different departments within your company to broaden your knowledge and experience.”
He also talked about the opportunities within Cadent: “Cadent has been fantastic in this space for some years now with the graduate schemes and engineer training programmes we have in place. I have been lucky enough to support, mentor and manage several ETP entrants who have now gone on to roles in different departments within Cadent."