Behind the Scenes at Stansted Airport: The Hidden Impact of IET Volunteering
As a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Jenny Shaw, CEO of Scientific International Management (SMI) was welcomed behind the scenes at London Stansted Airport for an engineering-focused visit. She was joined by other Fellow volunteers Scott McCulloch from AWE and Nick from the Ministry of Defence. All three volunteers have distinguished careers in aerospace and defence and became IET volunteers to give back to their profession.
The engineers were hosted by fellow IET volunteers from Stansted Airport Tony Nicholls from Engineering Operations, and Steve Radford, Head of Life Cycle Engineering at the airport. They also met James Baker, Engineering Director at London Stansted. During the visit the volunteers learned about the engineering operations, had an airside tour of security, baggage and train maintenance as well as an airfield tour along the taxiway and runway and finished with an introduction with the Airfield Ground Engineering Team.
Jenny Shaw said, “This unique opportunity arose through networking around IET volunteering activities, demonstrating the unexpected benefits of service to the profession. Each of the volunteers in attendance serve on the Engineering Council, IET committees, or as Professional Registration volunteers, and the day reinforced our shared passion for engineering.“
“In her 2025 President’s Address, IET President Dawn Ohlson highlighted the extraordinary impact of volunteers across engineering and technology. This visit exemplifies her message that volunteering builds skills, networks, and innovation while creating memorable experiences. We found that our passion for engineering was certainly refreshed thanks to the Stansted Airport engineering team for their generosity and hospitality.”
Jenny added, “At SMI we encourage volunteering with the IET as it offers more than professional contribution and it genuinely opens doors to unique experiences, strengthens networks, and inspires pride in engineering. As the IET President has urged, now is the time to step forward and help shape the future of the profession.”
