Waterloo man takes careers role

UK: Alan Smith, commercial and export markets manager at Waterloo Air Products, has been appointed as an enterprise adviser with The Careers & Enterprise Company.

Established by the government in 2014, The Careers and Enterprise Company is an employer-led organisation designed to inspire and prepare young people for the world of work.

Alan Smith’s role will help to ensure young people are aware of career opportunities in engineering and construction.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity,” Alan Smith said. “I’ve already had several years’ experience working with the engineering department at the University of Greenwich Medway. It’s been enormously rewarding to have supported students at the start of their careers.

“Being an enterprise adviser with The Careers & Enterprise Company provides an opportunity for Waterloo to help address the national skills gap by attracting more young people into the industry, and connecting schools to businesses.”

Alan provides support and information to students in West Kent, encouraging them to look at careers in manufacturing and construction. His new position is part of Waterloo’s wider commitment to promoting engineering to the next generation.

“Waterloo has been a member of the Constructing Excellence programme for several years,” adds Alan. “It operates nationally as a platform for industry improvement through collaboration. This new role means I will be engaging with teaching staff to arrange workshops, presentations, office and factory visits, with the potential to offer work experience too.”