What are you specifically responsible for at WT?
I recently joined the Secondary Structures department here at WT to help build out their capability in concrete structures. Typically, the secondary structures for the monopiles are fabricated in steel but some projects have requested concrete platforms, and that’s where I come in!
I am able to harness my knowledge from previous experiences working across bridges requiring reinforced concrete structures.
What do you think you will find most motivating about your role?
Without being here very long, I immediately understand that Wood Thilsted is an openminded company that respects creativity, which is very rare to come across as an engineer.
Although I may be the ‘expert’, I look forward to tackling new challenges and situations I haven’t come across before. It’s highly motivated to work on something new, challenging and exciting.
What made you pursue a career in offshore wind?
It’s something you rarely heard about here in the US until quite recently and it didn’t even occur to me that it would be something I could transfer across to.
I always felt I’d be pigeonholed into bridge engineering so I thought I’d be doing that forever. It’s exciting to now be able to utilise my structural engineering degree but applying to a completely new industry, and it’s great to have this door opened to me so early on before the industry properly takes off over here.
I could see this becoming a pattern now with many younger engineers making the move to offshore wind.
What do you think is most exciting about the offshore wind industry in the US?
There is much more of a focus on the industry now, with a much higher media focus. It’s so great to see all these various projects coming into fruition and to finally see the US make the move to green energy.
Do you foresee any challenges for the industry?
It’s difficult to foresee what may happen with a different administration. If the administration were to change, you never know what could happen! It’s great to see that the Biden administration has made such a difference so we’re seeing such a shift towards renewable energy, so you’d like to hope this is the start of a much brighter future.
Can you pick out any key highlights from your career so far?
I think the main one would be a bridge project I worked on that was extremely challenging at the time, but looking back I learned so much throughout the process and now I can look back in admiration and pride
Title: WT’s Anthony on why all engineers should progress to chartership and his top 3 reasons to join Wood Thilsted
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Date: Mon May 30 2022 00:00:00 GMT+0100 (British Summer Time)
Image: wood-thilsted-anthony.jpg
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You recently received your chartership certification - what does that mean to you?
I’ve always enjoyed playing an active role in the Institution of Corrosion. In 2012, I helped to set up a steering committee to development training courses for younger engineers, one of which is now in its sixth season, and so have since been approached by the President of the Institution who asked me to become even more involved and be a mentor for young engineers to encourage enhanced engagement, as well as being a liaison between the Institute of Corrosion and the Engineering Council.
Whilst my chartership is something I’ve wanted to pursue for a while, this meant I have recently pushed myself to allocate more time to ensure I can get it done.
If you get the opportunity to, I would encourage all engineers to progress towards their chartership as it’s a great way to demonstrate knowledge and expertise. It also means I can further support WT to grow and evolve as a business, as this is something likely to be highlighted during the tendering process to new clients and projects, showcasing the strength in WT’s people, their extensive technical expertise and what the teams are capable of achieving.
What are you looking forward to now you’ve achieved your chartership?
To be involved in the route to chartership for younger generations and to be a mentor to them along the way. It’s a long, involved yet rewarding process, so I’m looking forward to being there to guide and support them along the way, providing encouragement so it’s not too daunting and overwhelming.
It’s such an important process to expand learning, widen expertise and support personal and professional growth; encouraging you to expand your horizons and explore situations from different perspectives. It’s the perfect opportunity for more innovative processes and methodologies too, if you’re interested in evolving new processes for the future.
There appears to be a lack of engineers getting into the industry at the moment – why do you think this is?
It’s actually across the engineering sector as a whole, not just wind engineering. We really need to work to make it a more attractive industry for younger people to join.
Young people seem to be gravitating more towards more technology focussed companies as they think that’s the best environment to excel with their passion for coding in engineering. However, here at WT, our coding is exceptional. We build our own software, making processes faster and more streamline. So whilst it may not appear the most logical choice, WT can provide exciting opportunities to excel in computing and coding.
Another thing we’re passionate about is providing real life scenarios and experiences, so not only will joining WT provide an exciting direction for the future, but also the coding work has tangible, visible benefits on real-life projects that are making a difference for the future and helping to reduce our carbon footprint across the world.
In an industry that’s moving quickly, we need great people so have to highlight what an exciting movement this is to be a part of. Paving the way for the future with other renewable industries, we can ensure we have a brighter future ahead.
What would you say are the top 3 reasons for young engineers to join WT?
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You will be greeted with autonomy and responsibility, so when you given a challenging piece of work, it will be your job to explore how to overcome these challenges. WT is not hierarchical, yet there will always someone more senior to look up to for support and guidance if you need it.
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You’ll be a part of designing the global energy transition, so all the work you will be supporting future generations.
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WT is passionate about culture and ensuring going to work is enjoyable and fun, and this shines through. There are regular socials and team building activities across all departments and global offices. The senior leadership team are keen that whilst everyone works hard, they are rewarded too!
Is there anything in particular that motivates you in your role at WT?
It’s fundamentally the fact we’re changing the world and making world a better place for the future. I also thrive on challenges in the technical work as I’m a keen problem solver. It’s something that always helps you to continue to grow, evolve and succeed as an in individual. I’m also proud to be a strong role model for young engineers to look up to and learn from.
What’s most exciting about the future of offshore wind?
For me, it’s the combination of industries. There are platforms out there that are looking at producing offshore wind but having a solar panel station too. Also, the opportunity to build offshore substations to generate green hydrogen.
If these things work, there’s a very exciting future ahead for the world of renewable energy.
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