Terry Chipperfield, Supervisory Engineer/Trainee Co-ordinator
In your own words, briefly describe your job
''My role involves firstly, hands-on operational engineering, managing and maintaining broadcast plant and facilities, closely supporting technical and non-technical staff involved in the playout/transmission of BBC Television Services. Additionally, line management of approximately 22 trainee engineers, including co-ordination of training placements, for the first 2 or 3 years of their careers. Together with....taking part in the recruitment/selection of new trainee engineers and in their subsequent promotion to engineer-qualified status.''
How did you get into the industry?
''From a Television Servicing apprenticeship with Radio Rentals, plus a passion for amateur radio, I phoned the BBC and asked for a job.... A lack of recognised formal qualifications was outweighed by enthusiasm and practical experience.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''It's challenging, rewarding, it's fun, I enjoy coming to work, even after 30 years. I think that's true for many of us.''
In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?
''Get yourself noticed by meeting your client's/employer's needs, offer solutions, be passionate about providing service, and show how your abilities bring them benefits.''
How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?
''Take advantage of all workshops/seminars on offer, to get first sight of everything that is becoming available. Talk with everyone around you.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''Every promotion has a potential down-side compared to your current job. But know what you want to do. Make the job your own, and do it in your own way (enthusiastically) and call for help if you need it. I have never regretted moving on - more challenging work really can be more fun.''
What advice would you give to someone wanting to broaden the range of work they are getting?
''Be aware of all that is happening around you, outside your normal job. Find something that really excites you, and ask to be involved. Show your enthusiasm and ability, and just keep trying. Accept that it might not come to fruition in the immediate future. Don't forget the basics. They don't change, and the laws of physics are still responsible for making the new technology work.''
What impact will developments in New Media technology have on your career?
''With all the new advances in technology, I think work will become ever less routine, the learning curve will never slow down. My colleagues and customers will become more able to do their job, and I will be forever learning their needs as well as my own. Systems will become more compact and complex, as new facilities for the use of the customer become available. Information internal to the business should become more readily available and more easily digested by all within it. It will all need engineering support, and selecting the right people to provide this support will demand that I am able to appreciate what new skills/attributes I should be looking for in our new engineers, so that I can select them and organise appropriate training. I'll probably become more of a 'People Engineer'.''
How do you balance the demands of your professional life and your personal life?
''With some difficulty. Be prepared to say "no" sometimes.''
How did you prepare yourself for the additional management responsibilities at this level?
''I said "yes - can do". And did. With extraordinary support from my own manager.''
''My role involves firstly, hands-on operational engineering, managing and maintaining broadcast plant and facilities, closely supporting technical and non-technical staff involved in the playout/transmission of BBC Television Services. Additionally, line management of approximately 22 trainee engineers, including co-ordination of training placements, for the first 2 or 3 years of their careers. Together with....taking part in the recruitment/selection of new trainee engineers and in their subsequent promotion to engineer-qualified status.''
How did you get into the industry?
''From a Television Servicing apprenticeship with Radio Rentals, plus a passion for amateur radio, I phoned the BBC and asked for a job.... A lack of recognised formal qualifications was outweighed by enthusiasm and practical experience.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''It's challenging, rewarding, it's fun, I enjoy coming to work, even after 30 years. I think that's true for many of us.''
In your experience, what are the best ways of promoting and marketing your skills?
''Get yourself noticed by meeting your client's/employer's needs, offer solutions, be passionate about providing service, and show how your abilities bring them benefits.''
How do you make sure that you keep up with current developments in your field?
''Take advantage of all workshops/seminars on offer, to get first sight of everything that is becoming available. Talk with everyone around you.''
What advice would you give to someone whose career needed a kick-start?
''Every promotion has a potential down-side compared to your current job. But know what you want to do. Make the job your own, and do it in your own way (enthusiastically) and call for help if you need it. I have never regretted moving on - more challenging work really can be more fun.''
What advice would you give to someone wanting to broaden the range of work they are getting?
''Be aware of all that is happening around you, outside your normal job. Find something that really excites you, and ask to be involved. Show your enthusiasm and ability, and just keep trying. Accept that it might not come to fruition in the immediate future. Don't forget the basics. They don't change, and the laws of physics are still responsible for making the new technology work.''
What impact will developments in New Media technology have on your career?
''With all the new advances in technology, I think work will become ever less routine, the learning curve will never slow down. My colleagues and customers will become more able to do their job, and I will be forever learning their needs as well as my own. Systems will become more compact and complex, as new facilities for the use of the customer become available. Information internal to the business should become more readily available and more easily digested by all within it. It will all need engineering support, and selecting the right people to provide this support will demand that I am able to appreciate what new skills/attributes I should be looking for in our new engineers, so that I can select them and organise appropriate training. I'll probably become more of a 'People Engineer'.''
How do you balance the demands of your professional life and your personal life?
''With some difficulty. Be prepared to say "no" sometimes.''
How did you prepare yourself for the additional management responsibilities at this level?
''I said "yes - can do". And did. With extraordinary support from my own manager.''