Our Team
Meet the team
At the core of the Primary Engineer team is the understanding that the work we do has a tremendous effect on children’s lives. Alongside the hard work there is a lot of laughter and a significant ‘wow’ factor – you only have to join in one of our activities to see why we do it!
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE, Founder & CEO of Primary Engineer
I enjoyed primary school thoroughly, well apart from music, barn dancing and learning French! I especially loved art, maths, physics, and history. I was one of only two girls in the physics class and, to my irritation still, was not allowed to study Technical Drawing as it was a ‘boys only’ subject at the time! If I am honest my nickname at secondary school was SWOT – I loved being in the classroom, and always did my homework on time!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I founded Primary Engineer in 2005 and over the years worked with the team to develop many programmes aimed at inspiring all young people with and towards engineering careers. I firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to engage with engineering as a right! And that due to that be able to achieve their potential.
Chris Rochester
UK Director & Head of Partnerships
Chris Rochester, UK Director
When I was at Primary School I wanted to be a journalist – I think initially it was wanting to be Clark Kent (and of course Superman), but later ‘Press Gang’(a great TV show for kids – Google it)r was an influence too. I liked the idea of investigating and finding out about things and had a passion for reading and really enjoyed writing.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I joined Primary Engineer in 2014 having been a primary school teacher and initially designed Primary Engineer’s Postgraduate Certificate in Engineering STEM and the Early Years Engineer Programme. As UK Director, I head up our Partnerships with funders and supporters across all Primary Engineer Programmes working with our existing stakeholders and developing new relationships with engineering industry, businesses and education partners.
Jamie McIlvenny
Operations Director
Jamie McIlvenny, Operations Director
When I was at Primary School I would love to have become an Astronaut! I was obsessed with the Space Shuttle missions (still am!) with a great influence from my Aunt who worked for NASA as a Marine Biologist in Maine, USA and I would love to look at satellite images she would send me on the work she was doing. I believe having agencies such as UK Space and ESA make becoming an astronaut a much more likely option for many British youngsters today.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I’m the Operations Director at Primary Engineer which means I and our Operations team take care of the day-to-day processes, ensuring they are carried out in the best way and support the business deliver programmes for Schools to take part, inspiring young children with engineering.
Andrew Norris
Head of Partnerships – Central and East England
Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships – Central and East England
Some of my earliest memories are of time spent on my Grandad’s farm so any job that involved tractors or diggers would probably have been top of the list!
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
As a member of the Partnerships team I build relationships with business, local government and universities. This involves looking for organisations with similar aims to Primary Engineer and explaining ways in which we can work together. I also enjoy working with our existing funders and love hearing about the difference made to our lives by engineers.
Scott Dalgleish
Head of Marketing and Communications
Scott Dalgleish, Head of Marketing and Communications
One Christmas I asked for Bagpipes or a set of drums, deciding that I was going to play in a band with whatever instrument I received. When neither showed up on Christmas morning I quickly moved on to wanting to be a firefighter!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I am the Head of Marketing & Communications at Primary Engineer. I focus on raising the profile of Primary Engineer and our partners, helping spread the word about the amazing work we do and let everybody know that we are helping inspire the next generation of engineers.
Karuna Hira
Events Manager
Karuna Hira, Events Manager
When I was in primary school I really wanted to be a teacher, I loved helping others in my class and was always the first one to volunteer to be the teacher’s assistant however, whilst I was in high school I helped my dad organise my mums 40th surprise birthday and from there I knew I wanted to be an Events Manager and here I am today.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role at Primary Engineer involves organising and managing all events from start to finish which includes grading days, judging days, awards, exhibitions, and celebration events. I work closely with the service delivery team to ensure the events run smoothly.
Rachael Lee
HR & Office Manager
Rachael Lee, Office and HR Manager
When I was in Primary School I wanted to be many different things depending on what was going on around me or what TV show I’d recently watched. I always had a passion for theatre and ended up studying it throughout my school life as well as performing on stage with local drama groups. I also wanted to be a marine biologist and excelled in Biology. I also wanted to be an author, one of the many things I wanted to be as a child that I am working to achieve in my adult life. I also wanted to be a property developer; taking derelict houses, and returning them to their former glory, doing the majority of the work myself as I have always been very hands on and enjoy learning new skills.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I am the Office and HR Manager for Primary Engineer and as part of this I am responsible for ensuring the wellbeing and support of our employees and managers, assisting with the finances of the company and ensuring the overall needs of the office and company are met, including lots of paperwork and healthy plants.
Steph Shencoe
Media Relations and Communication Manager
Steph Shencoe, Media Relations and Communication Manager
When I was 7, I wanted to be a hairdresser then I inevitably changed my mind and decided I wanted to be a vet. Growing up we always had pets and I loved animals however, I was soon put off and disappointed when someone said that there is more to being a vet than just feeding and cuddling animals! Then the final thing I wanted to be when I was in primary school was a singer songwriter and I even wrote my own song which I sung at the Year 6 Talent Show. No more talent shows for me haha but I still enjoy karaoke in my car driving to work and quietly singing to the office radio though. One thing that has been consistent through the years is my creative nature through photography, creative writing and design!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I genuinely believe in the power of sharing stories that inspire and make a difference. Primary Engineer does just that by championing STEM education for young people driven by the belief that every child, regardless of background or ability, deserves access to these opportunities. My role as Media Relations and Communication Manager involves being the lead person for partner communications with our high-profile UK engineering industry and educational partners, using my passion for story-telling to spotlight the heart-warming experiences and impact on individuals and companies and building media connections to elevate brand recognition and visibility on our amazing work.
Becca Dean
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Becca Dean, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Growing up, I wanted to be an Author. This changed during my teenage years to wanting to be an Air Traffic Controller in the RAF.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Now I have taken a career in customer service and joined Primary Engineer as a Service Delivery Co-ordinator, introducing our incredible projects to schools and getting them signed up.
Roxanne McIlvenny
Engineer Relationship Manager
Roxanne McIlvenny, Engineer Relationship Manager
For as long as I can remember, in primary school I wanted to be a paediatrician and would tell everyone I wanted to be a baby doctor when I grew up. Attending school in a rural setting I also thought I would be a farmer’s wife and look after pigs and chickens too.. Ambitious! considering the demanding workloads involved.
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
As Engineer Relationship Manager I help to build and develop our relationship with engineers from all sectors of industry and facilitate their involvement in Primary Engineer programmes. Engineers play a vital role in the engagement of young people with engineering by providing diverse real-world role models and interactions, sharing their passion for engineering and in turn helping to inspire a new generation of engineers!
Jack Burrows
Finance Assistant
Jack Burrows, Finance Assistant
A footballer.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role involves supporting the accounting needs of the company, managing incoming and outgoing invoices, assisting with reporting and administrative duties.
Louisa Parsons
Service Delivery Contract Manager
Louisa Parsons, Service Delivery Contract Manager
When I was in primary school I always wanted to be a dog or horse trainer for the police, I was absolutely obsessed with horses and loved dogs, I have no idea where the police bit came into it. I ended up going in the complete opposite direction and toured with bands all over the world, Now I have settled down into my role as Contract Manager here at Primary Engineer which I love!
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
My role at Primary engineer is Contract Manager for the ‘If You Were An Engineer, What Would You Do’ Competition I look after the contracts for our amazing funders. I am the point of contact for all of our regional funders, I do also still have contact with schools guiding them through the exciting competition!
Jamie Billing
Head of Creative Product Design
Jamie Billing, Head of Creative Product Design
I wanted to play Centre Midfield for Liverpool FC and I had a rare collection of football stickers which I buried in my garden, in a ‘time capsule’ made of wood! Back then I didn’t really understand the design and engineering requirements of a good time capsule – I was way too excited about what the future might be like, when I was all grown up and I could finally ‘recover’ these important relics! Now that I am all grown up, I am still excited by the future, and I know to use longer lasting ‘sustainable’ materials for all my time capsules!
What does your role at primary Engineer involve?
I’m the Head of Creative Product Design at Primary Engineer. This means along with my creative product design team, we are working every day to imagine, develop and realise the most exciting current and future products. Through our many Programmes, Competitions and Qualifications, we help to inspire the next generation of future engineers and creative problem-solvers!
Sarah McManus
Service Delivery Contract Manager
Sarah McManus, Service Delivery Contract Manager
Well, my first dream job was to be a farmer and milk chickens! Granted I was five at the time and quickly realised I could not achieve my dream. I then moved on to becoming a mounted police officer as I’ve always loved horses. This stayed with me all the way through to college, until I started a Business and Administration Apprenticeship which grew my love for organisation and helping customers.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My job is to introduce our fully funded STEM programmes to schools and form relationships with all the wonderful teachers. I support from the moment a school signs up all the way through to the celebration event and love being a constant helping hand along the way.
Chloe Trippier
Senior Graphic Design
Chloe Trippier, Senior Graphic Designer
During my time in Primary School, I had a variety of aspirations. From dreaming of becoming a ballerina to envisioning a future as an actress or an artist, I was always drawn to creative pursuits.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
In my current role at Primary Engineer, as the Senior Graphic Designer, my responsibilities revolve around maintaining brand consistency across various mediums, both in print and digital. Working closely with the Marketing team, I ensure that all visual elements align with our brand identity. Additionally, I collaborate with key stakeholders to provide them with the necessary brand assets.
One of my core tasks involves generating fresh design concepts that can be utilised for events and upcoming projects. These designs are not only visually appealing but also aim to effectively convey the intended concept or message to the audience.
In summary, as the Senior Graphic Designer at Primary Engineer, my role encompasses maintaining brand integrity, developing creative ideas, and ensuring that visual communication is both aesthetically pleasing and informative to users.
Caitlin Fletcher-Scott
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Caitlin, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
I think it honestly changed from week-to-week. I wanted to be a vet for some time, with my love of animals it seemed to be the best job ever. Then I remember wanting to be a detective, a writer (I think I just wanted to sit around and read all day) and of course a princess/ruler of a small warm country.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role at Primary Engineer involves communicating with schools all over the UK to get them interested and involved in our amazing ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ competition. I am one of the main contacts for the schools throughout their time in the competition, helping with any queries they may have and supporting them through the competition to make sure both teachers and pupils have the best time taking part in the competition. As a team, making sure all pupils are recognised and celebrated for their awesome ideas and imaginations is a priority and working within a team where support and happiness is a priority is THE BEST!!
Tracy Cordingley
Product Designer
Tracy Cordingley, Product Designer
When I was at Primary School, I loved Music and Dancing – I still do! My main ambition in life was to have my own band and go on Top of the Pops 🎵 . My favorite subjects at school were music and of course art – they still are! I am extremely grateful that these creative subjects were plentiful when I was at primary school, as they ignited my powers of artistic thinking and self-expression – which I now have.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I am a Product Designer and an Academic. My role at Primary Engineer is Principal Product Designer where I lead many of the Product Design Projects. I am also an Associate Lecturer at the University of Plymouth, teaching across both undergraduate and postgraduate product design programmes.
Natasha Kinnear
Head of Partnerships - North West England
Natasha Kinnear, Head of Partnerships - North West England
I wanted to be on the stage, be that acting, singing or dancing. I loved whenever we would do school shows.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As Head of Partnerships for the North West, my role focuses on bridging the gap between education and industry. I ensure that businesses and universities have the chance to inspire the next generation, highlighting the wealth of opportunities in engineering that are available right on their doorstep. By connecting students with industry leaders, we help shape the future of engineering talent.
Jason Stone
Head of Partnerships - Scotland
Jason Stone, Head of Partnerships - Scotland
At Primary School, I wanted to be an architect. I loved drawing and maths so thought this was the ideal choice.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
Working in Scotland with Primary Engineer, I connect with Scottish industry, businesses & institutions to advise on the benefits of partnering with Primary Engineer. Scotland is well placed to lead the way in inspiring the next generation of engineering professionals and the companies that partner with us see tremendous benefit from staff outreach and engagement right through to making a positive change in the community. I also get to experience some very special moments, from seeing our partners engaged with schools and teachers right through to hosting awards events and seeing the genuine excitement on students and their families faces. It fills me with joy to see our partners being a part of this whilst also getting to experience those special moments with Primary Engineer.
Lizzy Frémont
Engineer Relationship Contract Manager
Lizzy Frémont, Engineer Relationship Contract Manager
At primary school I wanted to be a famous actor and this followed me all the way until university where I studied Theatre. As time went by though I realise it was the creativity that I loved the most and that I could use this in various different job roles, even working at a checkout!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role with Primary Engineer is firstly, contacting schools across the UK to get them involved in our fantastic CPD programmes. Then I get to guide them through their journey with us; from taking part in our training day, delivering the programme then attending our amazing celebration events!
Daniel Summerfield
Head of Partnerships - North East England
Daniel Summerfield, Head of Partnerships - North East England
I was one of those kids who did absolutely everything, all the sports, theatre and even a bit of business! Once I started doing missionary trips that all changed and my focus was just being in any work where I can help people. Although maybe I’m secretly hoping I get bit by a radioactive spider and turn into.. well you know.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role is focused on bringing in exciting new partners for Primary Engineer who can support our various programmes and competitions. Focusing on the north east and looking for key industry, education and government partners who can offer funding or volunteers to continue the growth of Primary Engineer in this really important region.
Anita St.Clair
Engineer Relationship Administrator
Anita St.Clair, Engineer Relationship Administrator
When I was a child I actually wanted to be a hairdresser like my aunty Nola. She was a role model to me because of the kindness she always showed to her friends & clients. Also, the fun, passion & freedom she got from cutting, colouring & styling hair was exciting to see as it brought joy to everyone.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role as an Engineer Relationship Administrator involves managing the onboarding and support of engineers, responding to correspondence in the engineers’ inbox, ensuring administrative accuracy on the CRM and collaborating with the Service Delivery team at events when needed.
Connor Smith
Operations Assistant
Connor Smith, Operations Assistant
While I was in Primary school, I wanted to be a Doctor when I grew up.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As the Operations Assistant, I am responsible for managing the end-to-end process of picking, packing, and dispatching educational kits to schools to support the teaching of engineering and STEM to children. I ensure that all materials are accurately prepared and shipped in a timely manner to facilitate hands-on learning experiences.
Demi H
Marketing Apprentice
Demi H, Marketing Apprentice
When I was in Primary School, I really wanted to be a Princess! I dreamed of living in a castle, wearing fancy dresses, and riding horses all day. Unfortunately, I would’ve had to marry a Prince, and I couldn’t find any in Lancashire!
I also thought about becoming a farmer like my Great-Grandad, but I quickly changed my mind after he explained how baby animals were born.
Later, after my little sister was born, I decided I’d like to be a mum someday. Hopefully, that’s a dream I’ll achieve when I grow up a little more!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As a Marketing Apprentice, my role primarily involves supporting the marketing team with various tasks. I assist with creating and scheduling content for our social media channels, updating the websites, and helping to create promotional material!
Jenny T
Service Delivery Co-Ordinator
Jenny T, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
When I was in Primary school I wanted to be a chef. I spent many hours in the kitchen with my mum making beautiful dishes and desserts. Although I didn’t pursue my childhood career choice, I still continue the tradition and make lots of delicious food with my daughter!
What does your role at Primary Engineer Involve?
My role at Primary Engineer involves being a main point of contact for schools throughout the UK, to support them with their involvement in our fantastic ‘If you were an engineer, what would you do?’ competition.
Alice D
Education Lead
Alice D, Education Lead
I wanted to be a Primary School Teacher.
Lily D
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Lily D, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
During primary school, I always wanted to do something which involved my love of animals. This varied from a zoo keeper, vet, or even a farmer. I would still love to work with animals, possibly in the future!