Austin V. Matthews MBE, Director, Engineering Education Scheme- Wales (EESW)


Finalist: Leadership success through partnership to develop skills in the workplace or community

EESW encourage bright youngsters into engineering careers. It exposes students to the disciplines of industry constraints while working on a real technical problem.

The EESW provides students with opportunities to gain skills which will stand them in good stead with possible future engineering careers. Some companies also use the scheme to educate their own engineers. Austin was the driving force who brought the scheme to Wales from Hertfordshire.

Since its arrival in Wales, an average of 400 students and 70 schools/colleges/companies become involved each year, with many of the participating young people going on to take up engineering or engineering-related university courses as a result of Austin's encouragement.

He is responsible too for the Welsh National Convention of Excellence in Engineering and Technology, which takes place each year in the Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, Newport. Last year's success means that a more focused event will be held this year to inform Welsh Sixth Form students of the possible opportunities.

The event's primary aim is to create respect for the profession, and to enable students to make more informed career choices for their future. In addition, it aims to increase awareness amongst companies of the scheme's benefits.

Without Austin's vision, not only would the students be lacking the encouragement they need to consider engineering as their future, but the scheme would not be accessible for Welsh students to take part in.

Tell us something your colleagues don't know about you?
I helped to take a sailing yacht to Lisbon from Perth encountering a storm 10 in the Bay of Biscay and survived!

Who inspires you?
The achievement and success of EESW students

What is your top leadership tip?
Communicate well and respect the talents of your colleagues