From Apprentice to Senior Engineer: My journey of growth with DB ESG by Owen Finnegan

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Article: From Apprentice to Senior Engineer: My journey of growth with DB ESG by Owen Finnegan

My journey of growth with DB ESG by Owen Finnegan

How did your career journey with DB ESG start?

I joined DB ESG as an Apprentice Design Engineer, undertaking a BTEC Diploma in Manufacturing Engineering, in October 2013. I chose this because I was always fascinated by how everything around me was designed and constructed. I was particularly drawn to the rail sector because my dad started as a British Rail apprentice himself and had roles in this industry throughout his entire working life.

In the early years of my career as an apprentice, I focused on learning the technical skills required for my role. It was a varied job that I enjoyed, providing me with a brilliant introduction to the railway industry within a dynamic, supportive and nurturing company.


Following your apprenticeship, you obviously decided to stay with DB ESG, why, and what did you do next?

I knew I wanted to stay in this role because it combines creativity with problem-solving, allowing me to see tangible results of my work in real-world applications. Collaborating with talented colleagues and contributing to innovative projects makes each day rewarding. The end of my apprenticeship was just the beginning of my career with DB ESG, I have developed significantly here, both professionally and personally, and I was offered the opportunity to pursue a University Degree while continuing my role.  

In 2023, I was promoted to Senior Design Engineer. I now have greater responsibilities, including leading design projects, ensuring our solutions meet technical and customer requirements, mentoring young engineers, implementing continuous improvement projects, and managing our CAD systems.


The mentoring role sounds interesting. Tell us more

I mentor our undergraduate and graduate engineers, which I really enjoy. This role has boosted my confidence, enhanced my problem-solving abilities and developed my leadership skills. Mentoring has also allowed me to give back to our company and invest in our future generation, who value my input and the perspective and experience I have gained during my career development.


How is your degree going and what is it in?

I have now finished my BSc (Hons) degree in Design and Innovation with First Class Honours. I graduated in the summer of 2024.


What challenges have you faced in your career to date and how did you overcome them?

Navigating a fast-paced environment often means balancing tight deadlines with the need to maintain high-quality work. Additionally, I have encountered situations where I had to resolve technical issues directly with customers on-site, which required quick thinking and effective problem-solving. Another significant challenge has been implementing improvements to long-standing practices, which can sometimes meet resistance.

I overcame these challenges by remaining adaptable and fostering open communication with colleagues and clients. By staying flexible and continuously learning, I was able to address issues efficiently and introduce beneficial changes. These experiences have significantly contributed to my professional growth within a supportive environment.


What does the future look like for you now that you have finished your degree?

I enjoy being an established member of the team and aspire to continue growing as an engineer, contributing to the development of DB ESG. My accredited degree also enables me to apply for professional registration and, with the support of DB ESG, progress to chartered engineer status.

A long-term goal of mine is to influence the direction of design within the railway industry and contribute to innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.


What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering?

Early in your career, explore as many projects and disciplines as possible before choosing a specific path. Many core skills are transferable across engineering disciplines, and gaining broad exposure will help you become a well-rounded engineer with great versatility and problem-solving abilities.


Potentially interested in starting a career with DB ESG, visit - Working for DB