The Pump Centre talks to Young Engineer Awards past winner James Forder, recipient of the Apprentice/Craft Award in 2012, to find out how winning this prestigious award aided his career progression.
With the nominations for the Young Engineer Awards 2027 now open, the Pump Centre is revisiting previous winners to celebrate their professional and personal accomplishments in the water industry.
James Forder is a Site Services Engineer at Rubix, where he specialises in the maintenance, overhaul, installation, and commissioning of rotating equipment including electric motors, pumps, fans, and generators. James has been a dedicated member of his team for nearly two decades, embracing the hands-on, practical side of engineering and developing his expertise throughout his career. Since winning his Young Engineer Award, James has become a proud advocate for professionals in the early stages of their careers, supporting their skill development wherever the opportunity arises.
What did winning the Young Engineer Award mean to you at the time? Did it change how you viewed your own capabilities or potential as an engineer?
Winning the Young Engineer Award in 2012 was a huge confidence boost. It gave me recognition for the work I had already put into my career and, more importantly, the confidence to take on increasingly challenging projects and responsibilities.
In what ways did winning a Young Engineer Award help you achieve your professional goals?
The confidence I gained from the award encouraged me to continue pushing myself professionally. It gave me the belief that I could take on more complex and challenging work.
How has your career path evolved since winning the Young Engineer Award?
Since receiving the award, my career has developed through a variety of engineering roles, predominantly hands-on, which is what I really enjoy. I’ve worked extensively on the maintenance, overhaul, installation and commissioning of rotating equipment and have been fortunate enough to work on major projects across a wide range of industries across the UK.
What advice would you give to young engineers who are just starting their careers and aspire to make an impact in the water industry?
Never stop learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Spend as much time as possible alongside experienced engineers and get involved in practical work whenever you can.
The knowledge you gain on site is invaluable. Listen to the experienced engineers around you. They can teach you not only about the plant itself, but also about its history, previous failures and modifications that have been made over the years. Understanding that history can be just as important as understanding the original design.
What have been your career highlights since winning the Young Engineer Award?
Some of my career highlights include working on major pumping stations and critical infrastructure projects across a variety of industries.
My favourite project to date was the overhaul, installation and commissioning of a large 1939 Drysdale dock pump at one of our naval bases. Working on equipment of that age, while bringing it back into reliable service, was a particularly rewarding project and one I’m proud to have been involved in.
As a dedicated member of the Rubix workforce since winning your award in 2012, how do you support the current young engineers within your team?
Throughout my time at Rubix, I’ve really enjoyed helping apprentices build their confidence. I do this by showing them different methods of working, explaining why we approach a job in a particular way, and then giving them the opportunity to try different techniques themselves with the right level of support.
When I was an apprentice, I always appreciated being given the opportunity to get involved rather than simply standing on the sidelines watching. I try to give young engineers that same opportunity today.
What can the industry do to best support the young engineers of today?
Our industry needs to continue investing in apprentices and giving them sufficient time to shadow experienced engineers and learn from them.
We should also encourage capable young engineers by giving them opportunities to take responsibility, lead tasks and build their confidence. I’m a big believer in hands-on learning, rather than relying solely on textbooks and classroom-based training. Engineering is a practical profession, and there is a huge amount of knowledge that can only really be gained by getting out on site, working with experienced people and learning from real-world problems.
Nominations for the Young Engineer Awards 2027 are now open. Submit your application before 31st October 2026 to join the Young Engineer Awards roll of honour alongside James and many more exceptional engineers. The Pump Centre wishes all applicants the best of luck!