The New Professionals Forum is an ADS member networking and professional development forum for industry professionals new to the aerospace, defence, security & space sectors.
#MeetNPF will be a short series that will highlight each of the NPF’s committee members to let you know who is working on what, and who you can reach out to for certain projects. Up next, we have Joseph Butt, who is involved in the ADS NPF Retention working group.
Introduction
My name is Joe, I am currently on the Early Careers Scheme at QinetiQ UK. I joined the company in Sept 2021, and took over the ADS NPF role from Christopher Tycer, who relinquished it to focus more on his customer delivery obligations.
Background
I have long held an interest in the Aerospace industry. Space, in particular, has always been a major fascination of mine. I cycled through visions of astronomy, physics, and commercial piloting, but nothing felt quite right as a career path until I took a step back and realised the subjects I was studying at A-Level lent themselves perfectly toward engineering. I studied Mechanical Engineering BEng at The University of Huddersfield, before moving to an MSc in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Leeds. After a couple years working for local engineering companies, I finally got accepted as a Systems Engineering Graduate in the Air domain at QinetiQ. As part of the placement structure which the scheme follows, I have recently started my second placement experiencing the Product Assurance role in QinetiQ Space.
Why did you join ADS NPF?
I am always looking to develop my soft skills. I think my experiences in society committee positions at University helped build my collaborative and leadership confidence, and now I’m looking to apply and adapt that experience in the ADS NPF. I love having a project, but the 6-month long placements on the Early Careers scheme mean you don’t have a hand in things for long. I hope that, with ADS NPF, I can really help build the group and it’s orb of influence to help others in the sector; coming out the other side feeling as though I have helped achieve something greater than what I could have done alone.
What are you doing with ADS NPF?
I have decided to get involved with the ADS NPF Retention working group. This group aims to encourage new professionals in the ADS sector to pursue their brand of engineering, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to feel comfortable enough to want to stick around. Its objectives are to identify the push/pull factors which may stop people from progressing in the sector, or may even cause them to leave. From there, the group looks to act on the received feedback to produce tools which mitigate the effect of the factors identified in the analysis. I will be representing the interests of those in the Space industry – ensuring that the industry receives proper representation in the tools developed and providing insight into how individuals can utilise the tools to gain a better understanding of the industry, and their place in it.
Hobbies/Interests
I swam and played water polo while at university, though COVID did a number on me and a few numbers on my waistline… I am slowly but surely getting back into the gym. I also love music and appreciate the opportunity to finally get back to rock/metal gigs after 3 years being sat on my bum.
Interested in finding out more?
If you are a new professional interested in taking part with this committee or attending our events, please sign up here. Please contact NPF@adsgroup.org.uk for more information.
