Meet Keyfix Technical Sales Engineer, Hannah Scott-Burrows

Posted on 22 Jul 2024

We recently caught up with Keyfix Technical Sales Engineer, Hannah Scott-Burrows, as she shared her thoughts as an engineer working within the construction industry. We asked Hannah about her role in Keyfix and why she would encourage more young women to pursue a career in engineering, read more in what Hannah had to say below!

What made you want to get into engineering?

Coming from a construction background, I grew up around the industry. I always enjoyed seeing how things were made and how they worked together therefore thought it was a good path to go down.

 What does your role entail?

My role in Keyfix as a Technical Sales Engineer is quite varied, always interesting, and sometimes challenging. Most days include completing quotes for customers, sending products to the factory for manufacturing, working with design and sites teams, mostly in England, to co-ordinate designs and delivery schedules. I also work with other Engineers in the office to work through the more difficult and challenging aspects of various projects.

 What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love how varied the job is, two days are never the same. The feeling of fulfilment when a job has been completed, moving on to another job and already having contacts on the project from a previous one. I really enjoy building a good working relationship with other engineers, architects and brick contractors as I know how they like to work, enabling me to work more efficiently for the client.

I love working with such a dedicated and enthusiastic manager and team. There’s always a sense of ‘good craic’ in the office. This is especially important considering the amount of time we all spend in the office.

How do you think we can encourage more young women to pursue careers in engineering?

Seeing other women in more senior positions, sets the standard for other young women interested in the industry to delve into it. Having a role model to aspire to can make all the difference to a young person trying to decide what route to take.

I don’t think it’s as much about encouraging young women into the construction industry, it’s more about showing women that the place for them in the industry is there, it’s not the male-dominated industry it once was.

You recently were awarded the FE Excellence Award for Lifelong Learning, what work did you have to do to achieve the award?

Recently I was awarded the Further Education (FE) Excellence Award for Lifelong Learning at the South West College’s Celebration of Success Awards Ceremony.

In September 2017 I enrolled in South West College (SWC) to complete a B-TEC in Construction Engineering and Build Environment. I absolutely loved the two years I spent completing this course – obtaining a Distinction in the end.

After that I decided to continue on at SWC to complete my degree instead of going to university. I wanted to stay close to home and liked the idea of earning whilst learning, therefore decided the Higher Level Apprentice route was the way to go. I went on to achieve a Bachelors in Construction Engineering with Management, all whilst working at Keyfix. Taking this route allowed me to gain an invaluable experience as I could take what I learned in College and put it into practice when I was in the office.

How did it feel when you found out you were up for the award?

When I found out I got the award, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of achievement – it was an extremely long 6 year journey in SWC. It was very challenging to juggle everything at certain times, however the support and encouragement I received from both the college and my managers and colleagues at Keyfix made the whole experience worth it.

Further context on Hannah’s FE Excellence Award for Lifelong Learning

Within Northern Ireland, there are more than 60,000 FE Students, with only 48 awards presented to students on the night. Out of those 48 awards, only 6 people were presented with the Lifelong Learner Award, with Hannah being one of them.

To say this is a commendable achievement would be an understatement. The team at Keyfix are so proud of Hannah on achieving this award and are truly delighted to have Hannah as an integral part of the Keyfix team.