Engineering Awards 2020 ENGINEERING
AWARDS 2020
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Award for the best REME WO/SNCO
This month we celebrate SSgt Andrew Beacock, who was awarded The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Award 2020. The Award: The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Award – Best REME WO/SNCO
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n 2012 it was recognised that there were several engineering awards for REME units and Officers but that there was no formal recognition of the engineering achievements of REME WOs, NCOs and Craftsman. In recognition of this, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) agreed to sponsor an award for the best WO/SNCO*. The relationship between the IMechE and REME is a strong one with a well-developed path for individuals of all ranks to achieve professional accreditation. The aim of the IMechE Best REME WO/SNCO award is to recognise the individual who is deemed to have made the best contribution to engineering during the year. Any REME Captain or above can nominate any REME WO1 to Sgt (Regular and Reserve) for this award. Each nomination will be judged against the following criteria: a. Development of their own engineering skills and knowledge: They will be engaged in formal learning activities and will be learning new techniques and engineering theories. They will use evidence from best practice to improve effectiveness. b. Application of engineering skills and knowledge: Through the application of Engineering Standards they will have raised maintenance standards and equipment availability within both their own, and, where appropriate, their parent unit (or, as relevant, to the Staff environment). c. Provision of technical management: They will be managing / contributing to project operations, planning and implementing technical solutions and be involved with improvement activities. d. Demonstration of effective communication skills: They will be influential both in the technical and non-technical environment, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills. e. Personal contribution to professional standards: They will have a clearly defined CPD plan and will actively contribute to the development of others. These criteria broadly reflect the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK SPEC). It is expected that those being nominated will have professional accreditation appropriate to their position or be in the process of applying for it, although this is not essential.
The Winner: SSgt Andrew Beacock (8 Trg Bn) Over 2019, (then) Sgt Beacock skilfully managed the development of his own engineering skills and knowledge this year, completing a level 3 Diploma in Engineering and the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) foundation course. His ability as an engineer was also formally recognised when he was awarded the IMechE Eng Tech of the year for 2019. Sgt Beacock committed to ensuring that trainees, both Regular and Reserve at all levels, achieved the required Recovery Mechanic competency from class 4 - 1. In addition to his daily roles as a Recovery Mechanic Instructor, Sgt Beacock facilitated the delivery, planning and quality assurance of the majority of the regular and reserve Tactical Training Exercises (TTX) throughout 2019. This included spending numerous weekends attending the Reserve TTXs. As a result of his input, the engineering competency of the REME Reserves has increased, through maximising the opportunities to upskill trainees in their trade. His involvement with the creation of new training resources has enabled trainees to better understand vehicle recovery principles. On and off duty he is a model member of the Corps, whether he is improving delivery of trade training, facilitating STEM workshops or his own professional development. Sgt Beacock has clearly set himself apart from his peers as a REME SNCO and is most deserving of formal recognition for engineering excellence. (Since receiving the award for best SNCO/WO, Sgt Beacock received his promotion to SSgt.)
“I am extremely honoured to receive the award, and grateful to be able to showcase the engineering professionalism it takes to be a REME Recovery Mechanic”.
Runners Up: 2nd: SSgt Tidd (4 ACS Bn REME) 3rd: SSgt Gallagher (JADTEU)
Think you have what it takes to be the Best REME Officer 2021? Trawls for the 2021 Engineering Awards closed on 1 December. They are led by the Formation HQs. All submissions must be with SO2 Engineering Assurance RHQ REME by 31 January 2021. Awards are in the following categories: Best First Line Unit in the Corps; Best REME Battalion; Best REME Reserve Battalion; Best REME Reserve Sub-Unit; Best REME Officer (below Lt Col); Best REME WO/SNCO; Best REME Cfn/JNCO. *The best JNCO/Craftsman is recognised by the SOE Award.
Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 33
