Group lead baggage systems engineer - Matthew Addison
After completing a graduate scheme with the Manchester Airport Group (MAG) Matthew now works as a group lead engineer in baggage systems. Based in Manchester but spending time across three major airports, he tells us more about his journey to his current role
What degree did you study and where?
I studied aerospace engineering, completing a four-year integrated Masters course at the University of Manchester. My degree gave me a strong technical grounding, but more importantly it taught me how to:
communicate technical information clearly
solve problems under pressure
think analytically.
How did you get onto the MAG graduate scheme?
While searching and applying for graduate roles in my final year of study, I was particularly looking for opportunities in the aerospace industry and came across the MAG graduate scheme on the MAG careers website.
I applied online, completed a number of initial assessments, interviews and a full-day assessment centre. The process was challenging but very rewarding once I received the final offer.
Why did you want to work for MAG?
Although not directly an aerospace-related industry, airports are dynamic environments that involve a range of engineering disciplines and systems and this really appealed to me. I knew that there would be real variety in the work, early in my career.
Alongside this, the scale of investment in Manchester was something that really piqued my interest. The Manchester Transformation Scheme had recently been announced and the thought of being able to support high-value, long-term projects was a big plus.
What did your graduate scheme involve?
The scheme was engineering-focused but rotational in nature to allow me to gain exposure to a range of departments. I worked across the engineering, asset management and capital delivery teams.
Each role exposed me to new challenges and I had the opportunity to:
contribute to significant investment schemes that play a large part in the airport's operation today
develop and lead improvement works
work closely with a number of our subject matter experts to support my technical development.
Outside of my role, it also provided the opportunity to gain exposure to senior leaders within the business for mentorship and support.
What did you enjoy the most about the scheme?
I think being thrown in at the deep end with some large-scale, critical and complex projects was very rewarding. Working alongside my teams I was able to develop quickly.
What were the challenges?
The biggest challenge was adapting to the pace of the operation and applying engineering principles to real-world applications that impacted the customer experience at the airport.
Airports never stop, and engineering plays a critical role in ensuring everything keeps moving. It was a fast learning environment, and at times I felt pushed outside my comfort zone, but that's where I developed the most. Managing multiple priorities and learning to communicate with a range of stakeholders were skills I had to build quickly.
How did you navigate the transition from student to a working professional?
The structured nature of the scheme helped me to find my feet quickly. I also made good use of mentors and colleagues who were willing to support and advise. Having to manage my workload and prioritise my efforts was very different to the student environment, but something that came with time. I found that being proactive and showing willingness went a long way in building confidence and credibility.
What do you wish you'd known before starting your graduate scheme?
The importance of saying yes to opportunities. Even the ones that seem outside of your comfort zone often provide the best learning and development opportunities.
Upon completing the scheme you secured a job at MAG as a lead engineer in baggage systems. Tell us about your role.
I have been in a number of roles centred around baggage that have led me to my current role.
In this role I sit in the group technical services team alongside MAG's other lead engineers for various disciplines. I am responsible for:
acting as a central point in the group for any baggage technical queries
developing and writing our technical standards that systems are designed against to ensure compliance and best practice
providing engineering design assurance for all investment projects.
We also actively participate in external industry working groups to understand industry changes, promote innovation and encourage shared learning between airports.
What are your career ambitions?
My immediate ambition is to achieve Engineering Chartership, which I am currently applying for. This will give me formal recognition as a professional engineer.
Beyond that, I want to continue to contribute as an engineering leader in the baggage industry. I'm particularly interested in contributing to innovation, enhanced automation and the transformation of how baggage systems operate.
What advice would you give to others considering applying for a graduate scheme?
Never be apprehensive about asking a question and take every opportunity that comes along. Every day is a chance to learn and during a graduate scheme there is ample opportunity.
