Philip Pagani
MEng Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Year, 2020
Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate, Evac Chair International/Birmingham City University
A knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) is a collaboration between a university and company to deliver an innovate project. The aim of my KTP is to develop a new chair to get people into and out of ambulances without the need for electrical assistance. Throughout the project I have been designing, assembling and testing which has given me great exposure to all stages of product development.
Alongside the project I also have the opportunity to work on numerous other projects for the company. This can range from design improvements and cost savings on evacuation chairs to designing bespoke critical care transport for neonates.
What’s the best thing about what you’re doing now?
Working in a small business gives me the opportunity to get involved in many areas of engineering and business generally. With a small engineering department I get the chance to undertake a variety of roles from designing products to testing and validation. I believe the exposure I am currently getting to engineering and business will be very valuable for my future career and progression.
How has your career developed since graduating?
My CAD (computer aided design) abilities have massively improved through using it nearly every day for modelling, drawings and FEA (finite element analysis). I have implemented a drawing standard at Evac Chair so that all drawings that leave the engineering department are similar and easy for manufacturing to process, ultimately saving time for everyone. I believe my soft skills have improved, particularly presenting with regular project updates given to management and the board.
Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?
Right from the very start of the Open Day I knew Birmingham was where I wanted to be. The Civil Engineering Department was well-renowned and had many established links with industry. There also appeared to be a thriving extra-curricular and social activities scene alongside the studies. On top a that an excellent campus with plenty of green spaces and a mixture of historic architecture and cutting-edge developments.
What are your fondest memories of the University?
I really enjoyed the course and it set me up perfectly for industry, but for me the social and extracurricular aspects have to take it for me. I joined MechSoc in my first year which gave me the chance to socialise with students from all years. I went on to become President in my third year and helped establish the Engineering Ball and a careers fair to help members obtain placements and graduate jobs. I also have great memories of playing for the Engineering hockey team, 'The Eagles', starting from an absolute beginner and going on to be Captain. Right from the start they were so welcoming, even to someone as bad at hockey as me! The friendly rivalry with other departments on Sunday afternoons and a celebratory pint in the pub made Sundays perfect.
“If an opportunity comes along take it. Get involved in as many things as you can. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and you'll be rewarded.”