William McIlvenna, Technical & Sustainability Manager, Metal Technology Ltd
What subjects did you enjoy at school that supported your career path?
GCSE English, Maths, Triple Award Science, Geography, IT studies and Young Enterprise. Plus A-Level Biology and Geography.
Did you study at university or higher education?
Yes
What course did you study?
ONC & HNC in Building Studies at NRC Farm Lodge Ballymena
What does a typical day or week in your role look like?
In my role as Technical Manager it involves being part of a Technical Dept, who provide support to our network of fabricators and customers across the UK & ROI. We provide technical advice and solutions to project specific queries, to ensure that that our façade systems are being installed correctly. Within this role I am also responsible for assisting with the design and testing of new products. There are a number of Passive House systems within our portfolio, and these strengthen our Sustainability ambitions, by reducing the amount of embodied carbon within the products, but also reducing the amount of energy needed to run the buildings and the subsequent emissions that are generated. I am also the Sustainability Manager within the company, and together with the other members of our RBMT we focus on areas within our business and supply chain where we can reduce the amount of embodied carbon with the products we provide. An example of a great success with this, is our switch to Low Carbon aluminium billet that we now use for all of our extruded aluminium. I am also very engaged with the Biodiversity Team at Antrim Grammar School, who we have an ongoing partnership with as past of our Biodiversity strategy.
What part of your job do you find most interesting or exciting?
Problem solving and finding solutions to Technical queries. In terms of our Sustainability journey, I enjoy finding ways to help reduce our Scope 1-3 emissions and improve the Biodiversity in and around our operating site.
What advice would you give to pupils who are interested in a career in sustainability?
Choose subjects that keep your options open. In years 10 and 11, focus on subjects that will prepare you for post-16 study. Good options include, Sciences, Geography, Mathematics, Design & Technology, Business Studies or Economics, Computer Science and English. Look for ways to see sustainability in the real world, by joining an Eco Club or Sustainability Committee at school, or volunteer with local environmental groups, tree planting projects, or clean-up events. You could also do work experience with local councils, environmental charities, farms, or engineering firms.