The Future is Bright. The Future is Young ICorr
It may be a cliché, but the successful future of the corrosion industry relies upon developing up-and-coming talent. Here at the Institute of Corrosion, we have a dedicated space to nurturing this talent – Young ICorr.
“We are the primary network of corrosion engineers from the late stages of education through their early career,” says James McGladdery, current Chair of Young ICorr. “Our purpose is to connect our younger engineers with industry professionals, provide opportunities to mentorship, and provide guidance on further education. We have a strong focus on students working in the area of corrosion.”
Structure of Young ICorr
Young ICorr doesn’t operate within the regional/branch structure. Rather, its focus is nationwide.
Like other groups within the Institute of Corrosion, Young ICorr is managed by a committee which ensures all the needs of younger engineers are met. The Committee is structured with several sub-committees, each with responsibility for achieving specific objectives. As Chair, James oversees each of these sub-committees.
Roles and Responsibilities of Young ICorr
The title Young ICorr is something of a misnomer. The group caters for a wide age range, based on industry experience.
“Young ICorr is primarily for the benefit of early career professionals ─ generally speaking, professionals up to 10 years into their corrosion careers,” says James. “But we also provide an opportunity for experienced engineers and scientists to mentor the next generation.”
So, what does Young ICorr deliver to its membership?
“Young ICorr has a huge responsibility to feed people from all quarters into the industry-leading education and qualification opportunities delivered by the Institute – undoubtedly one of the corrosion industry’s best accredited providers,” says James. “This is crucial for those who need qualifications in, for example, coatings or cathodic protection – professionals who go into the field and solve problems on the ground.”
In this regard, Young ICorr is responsible for the Young Engineer Programme, linking members with mentors, providing help with chartership, and career guidance. To accomplish all this, Young ICorr provides a conduit for more senior corrosion professionals to contribute to the future of our industry through helping Young ICorr achieve its goals and mission.
Previous Chair Danny Burkle has prime responsibility for student outreach. Having many connections with universities, Danny facilitates our student outreach programs, including presentations to introduce the corrosion industry and ICorr in universities, and developing summer placement opportunities.
James has also enlisted the help of Ben Lee to extend the reach of Young ICorr to a new audience. Ben’s sub-committee has a remit to encompass a wider industry focus and be more inclusive toward non-university talent outside of the traditional split between industry and academia. As James puts it, “In the education system, there’s a whole generation who may be unaware that, just by joining this network, you’ll have access to a career roadmap and the qualifications you need to navigate your course.”
Young ICorr also organises several networking events through the year. These are very much social events, though often with a senior speaker in attendance. These help to provide a pathfinding view for young engineers – and are great opportunities to receive career advice.
Izabella Gajewska is heavily involved with the events organized by Young ICorr, especially in the Northeast, and Josie Watson does similar work for Young ICorr in the Northwest.
The Young Engineer Program (YEP), run biannually, is a case study-based program accompanied by a series of lectures that feed into it. You don’t have to be an ICorr member to participate, and those on the program range from students to CEng professionals. At the end of the program, certificates and awards are presented – including free attendance at international conferences and leadership courses.
How to get involved in Young ICorr
Just attend our events – you don’t need to be a member of the Institute of Corrosion to do so!
“Of course, there’s a lot to be gained from membership of the Institute of Corrosion, and we offer free student membership. But to participate in Young ICorr events, membership is not a prerequisite,” explains James.
“We operate introductory sessions virtually, and now that Covid is in our rear-view mirror, we’re starting back with our university events and lectures. We’re also keen to take Young ICorr to colleges, using existing and new connections to do so.”
To learn more about this vibrant and forward-looking sector of the Institute of Corrosion, visit the Young ICorr pages on the ICorr website, or email us at info.youngicorr@gmail.com.