Sean Evans is the current Chair of the Young Members Committee, also known as the YMC, the Committee is a diverse group of people with the aim of sharing knowledge and encouraging careers in the industry. Sean lives in South Wales and works for EDF as part of their central technical organisation. His role is to assess both new and in-service pressure equipment to ensure they are safe, suitable and compliant to a specific code. However Sean’s job role beforehand was inspecting pressure equipment from a regulation perspective (as well as carrying out NDT), but he is relishing the technical challenges that are present in his new position.

For those who don’t know can you explain what The Young Members’ Committee is and what it aims to do?

‘The Young Members Committee is a group of individuals who have a passion for welding/engineering and want to help share that passion with others in the industry. This is done through knowledge-sharing opportunities, helping with the recruitment of younger members and supporting the branch network of The Welding Institute. The term, ‘Young Members’ does not necessarily mean school age or graduate, but it means young in terms of career and within the industry.’

What is your current job role/responsibilities within your job role at YMC?

‘I am the South Wales/South Western Branch Committee representative and recently became Chair of the YMC. My role within the YMC is to set the strategy, then implement thus with the help of other Committee Members.

When did you join The Welding Institute?

‘I applied for an Associate Membership back in 2019, I then transferred my IEng as a full Member in 2021, gaining a CEng in January 2023.’

Why did you join The Welding Institute?

‘I have been with a number of Institutes over the years but, when I was completing my MSc, I had the option to apply for an Associate Membership with The Welding Institute. It was then that I realised how much expertise and interesting areas that The Welding Institute covers – from welding to fracture, and materials science to NDT. The constant drip of technical information from webinars was particularly interesting and something I would like to expand on with the YMC.’

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

‘It was actually an accident. As with most young people at the time, I was encouraged to go to university straight after school. This led me to start a Forensic Science degree, which I left after a year. I then fell into the world of engineering and something clicked. I looked for a way to gain qualifications whilst working and found an advanced apprenticeship in the steel industry. My passion for engineering has never stopped and will continue for many more years.’

What has been the most valuable lesson from being part of the YMC?

‘It’s the Members that make it work – without everyone contributing, the YMC wouldn’t exist. There is so much knowledge within the membership.

What has been your favourite memory from being part of the YMC?

‘Certainly the most recent favourite has to be attending the 100th Anniversary. Meeting a number of previous Chairs who gave an insight, but also brought a lot of humour too! I am hoping to arrange something for the YMC going forward to bring us all together (whether in-person or virtually).

What motivated you to become Chair?

‘I have been fortunate that, over the years, I’ve always spoken up to make my voice and opinions heard – but also there have been people to help steer me and my career to where I wanted it to go. That’s what I want to do as Chair of the YMC; share my own experience and knowledge, motivate and promote collaboration within the YMC and beyond.’

What advice would you give to your younger self?

‘One bit of advice I would give is to get involved in as many extra-curricular things as possible – you will be surprised how many valuable skills and lessons you will pick up, as well as the willingness of people who want to help each other succeed.'