Adam Wins Engineer of Tomorrow National Competition Title

A South Eastern Regional College (SERC) apprentice has won the Engineer of Tomorrow title at the prestigious IFSEC National Competition.  

Adam Smylie (24) from Moira, a Level 3 Fire & Security Apprentice employed by Lisburn-based Beacon Fire & Security, was the only representative from Northern Ireland.   He beat off winners of regional heats from across the UK competing in a live installation challenge of fire safety devices.

Concluding the largest annual security and fire safety show in Europe, the ISFEC & FIREX Security and Fire Excellence Awards were presented in the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London, at a glamorous event hosted by magician, Ben Hanlin, best known for presenting ITV2’s Tricked.  

Adam said, “I am delighted to have come first in the Engineer of Tomorrow competition.  It was tough but very exciting to take part and it was great to meet other apprentices from the sector. The result is testament, not only to my efforts, but also to the training, support and mentoring I received from my employer, the College and my family.”    

He added, “Taking part in a competition of this nature is something special to have on your CV for work in a growth industry and I would encourage others to think about taking part if they get the opportunity.”

The Engineers of Tomorrow helps to raise the profile of engineering apprenticeships and the opportunities they represent within the sector. The competition, which encompasses two separate events – one for installers of fire safety devices and one for electronic security installers – aims to help tackle the growing engineering skills gap and attract and retain the next generation of security and fire systems installers.

Robin Hamill, Fire & Security Lecturer at SERC said, “We are absolutely thrilled for Adam’s win in this prestigious competition.   He has proved he has the knowledge, skills and experience to tackle specialist installation jobs which is exactly what all our apprentices strive towards as they make their way in the industry.”  

The young winner is taking a sabbatical and has secured a post in Verbier in Switzerland, where he will be teaching snowboarding for the season.