Spotlight on EngTechs: Jon Todd
In our ongoing series of case studies, Jordanne Allsopp, IGEM Marketing Communications Coordinator, chats to our members about their careers to date and how IGEM has supported them so far. This time, she spoke to Senior Engineer at Origin Integrity Management Jon Todd, a previous recipient of IGEM’s EngTech grant.
In 2020, Jon Todd was the proud recipient of the IGEM EngTech Grant, a milestone that significantly propelled his career and personal growth. This financial support not only eased his participation in numerous industry events but also allowed him to join various standards review panels, enriching his professional experience.
Today, as an active member of the IGEM North East & Yorkshire Section committee, Jon orchestrates the very events that once expanded his horizons, embodying the transformative power of the grant.
His journey from a hesitant applicant to a pivotal committee member highlights the profound impact such opportunities can have on engineering careers, making his endorsement of the scheme a persuasive call to action for potential applicants.
Jon said: “The benefits extend far beyond financial assistance as the opportunities can serve as invaluable pathways into the industry and facilitate meaningful connections with peers.
“Even in the event of an unsuccessful application, the feedback received can be constructive, offering valuable insights and potentially steering one towards a clearer career direction within the industry.”
Jon said that receiving the grant helped him to develop on a personal level as well as a professional one, adding: “The grant initially boosted my confidence significantly by acknowledging my achievements. This newfound confidence was perhaps the most valuable aspect of my success, particularly since I had previously struggled with imposter syndrome.”
Getting started
Jon joined the industry in 2007 as an Apprentice First Call Operative at Northern Gas Networks. Although he was unsure of the direction of his career, the role provided him with the hands-on experience he desired and allowed him to acquire valuable technical knowledge.
During his time within the role, he participated in various working groups which were designed to enhance the company’s processes.
His desire to advance academically led him to pursue a Higher National Certificate (HNC) through open learning at Teesside University.
Although it was a daunting challenge, Jon said the decision to pursue higher education was a significant one which put his career on course for the future. While studying his HNC, he took the opportunity to work within Northern Gas Networks’ integrity department and later discovered an interest in pipelines.
He said: “Exploring the interplay between engineering disciplines in this domain fueled my passion for the subject.”
After completing his HNC, he began a degree in Mechanical Engineering, expanding his learning further and helping him to appreciate the mathematical underpinnings of industry standards
Moving on up
After five years working in the integrity department at Northern Gas Networks, Jon made the decision to move over to Origin Integrity Management to further develop his expertise.
His role involves actively exploring innovative solutions to reach net zero and other engineering challenges.
Origin Integrity Management is adapting new ways of working on the path to net zero by introducing satellites to inspect pipelines with significant improvements for the environment, Jon explains.
Alongside his career, Jon joined IGEM to complement his studies and provide support for his own development.
Motivated by example, Jon joined IGEM after his manager’s active involvement with the institution. He soon began attending events, connecting with peers with similar aspirations and expanding his knowledge of the industry.
He said: “Joining IGEM signified my commitment to continuous learning within the gas sector and my dedication to contributing to its advancement.”
Jon’s eagerness to learn and grow is demonstrated by his EngTech status, proving his determination for driving the industry forward: “It’s not just about personal progress, but also about making a real impact on the engineering world – pushing it to new heights.”
Nothing to lose
Realising he “had nothing to lose and everything to gain”, Jon’s decision to apply for IGEM’s EngTech grant was a spur of the moment one following an extension to the application deadline.
Despite his earlier doubts, his application was successful, proving his drive to take a chance paid off.
He used the grant to purchase equipment to support his studies and facilitate his research.
Thanks to his newfound knowledge, Jon has been involved with various technical groups such as UKOPA’s Pipeline Integrity Working Group and the IGEM/TD/1 review panel.
In the future, he’d like to attain Chartered Engineer status with IGEM and pursue a PhD in his spare time. He also mentors individuals coming into the industry and strives to enact change and growth.
Apply for our Scholarships Grants and Awards scheme before 31 May 2024.
