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
Head of Partnerships - South England, South West and Wales
Chris Rochester, Head of Partnerships - South England, South West and Wales
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) 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.
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 - North West
Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships - North West
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
Head of Service Delivery
Roxanne McIlvenny, Head of Service Delivery
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.
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 - Scotland
Natasha Kinnear, Head of Partnerships - Scotland
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.
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 Harris
Marketing and Events Assistant
Demi Harris, Marketing and Events Assistant
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!
Alice Dougal
Education Lead
Alice Dougal, Education Lead
I wanted to be a Primary School Teacher.
Lily Duckworth
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Lily Duckworth, 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!
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
I am one of the Service Delivery Co-Ordinator’s at Primary Engineer. My role involves supporting UK schools through each stage of our ‘If You Were An Engineer, what would you do?’ competition, and I am here to help with any queries they may have.
Charlotte Warrington
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Charlotte Warrington, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
I remember wanting to be everything as a child, I swapped and changed so much because I always found absolutely everything interesting which I still do.
If I had to pinpoint one thing, it would have to be preforming, whether that being singing or playing music/instruments to acting and dancing. I loved being on stage any chance I could. Music specifically is something that has always been prominent in my life from being tiny up to present day, I still sing and play a few instruments but luckily the only people who get to see me preform now are the other drivers on the road while I’m on my way to Aldi.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
As part of the Programmes Team at Primary Engineer, I support schools across the UK through every stage of our fully funded STEM Programmes. My role blends relationship building with hands-on guidance, answering questions, solving challenges, and lots of background admin that helps keep everything running smoothly. I also get to attend our fantastic celebration events, where we proudly showcase and champion the incredible work of pupils taking part.
Demi Houghton
Service Delivery Contract Manager
Demi Houghton, Contract Manager
When I was in primary school, I dreamed of being cabin crew. I was fascinated by the idea of travelling the world, meeting so many new people and putting passengers at ease whilst travelling.
What does your role at Primary Engineer involve?
My role at Primary Engineer as Service Delivery Contract Manager focuses on building strong, long-term relationships with our funding partners to bring our STEM programmes to schools across the UK. I work closely with our partner companies to align their objectives with meaningful educational outcomes, creating opportunities that benefit both industry and education.
As the main point of contact for the partners I support, I oversee the smooth delivery of our programmes from start to finish – ensuring each one runs efficiently and makes a lasting impact on all involved.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is delivering celebration events that showcase the creativity and innovation of young people and inspires the next generation of engineers.
Nadine Taylor
Engineer Relationship Administrator
Nadine Taylor, Engineer Relationship Administrator
When I was in primary school, I wanted to be Sporty Spice, I loved my kappa popper tracksuit bottoms and to win on sports day. Later I decided I was going to be a writer or a journalist. I loved to watch the Gilmore girls and Harriet the spy and used to write my own articles and stories all the time. But I soon put down my pencil when I got my first horse and fell in love with life on the farm, then I wanted to become a show jumper and compete in the horse of the year show. Now I want to do everything.
Sian Titley
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Sian Titely, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
When I was in primary school, the pipe dream was to be a singer… turns out you need actual talent for that. I remember wanting to be a lot of different things but none of them really stuck. I wanted to be an actor because I was obsessed with TV shows like Charmed and Buffy. I remember watching shows like Miami and LA ink which made me want to be a tattoo artist. I absolutely love animals so I would’ve loved to be a vet, even now I’d still settle for buying a plot of land and opening an animal sanctuary for rescues.
Makalya Meadows
Junior Graphic Designer
Makalya Meadows, Junior Graphic Designer
When I was in primary school, I wanted to be an architect, and this stuck with me until the end of high school, when I wanted to become a Graphic Designer instead. I have always been creative; I made my whole street out of pom-poms and the sheep across the road with the ends of cotton buds when I was in primary school. I have been studying art-related subjects from primary school through to university.
Sven Parris
Head of Business Development and Partnerships
Sven Parris, Head of Business Development and Partnerships
When I was very young, I wanted to be a teacher like my grandmother. Then during my primary years I became fascinated by space and was convinced I would be an astronaut, perhaps even a starship captain one day. Reality set in at secondary school, and I found my way into art and design, which led me into graphic design, and then into sales and marketing. That path eventually opened opportunities to work in the aerospace sector with real astronauts, and now, inspiring the innovators of the future. So, in a roundabout way, I’ve managed to fulfil some of those early dreams. Apart from captaining a starship. At least, not yet!
Halle Abbott
Service Delivery Co-ordinator
Halle Abbott, Service Delivery Co-ordinator
As a child I always wanted to be a cheerleader, that’s it! As I got a bit older I wanted to be a midwife but I’m terrible with injections and all things medical so that one quite quickly went away, it then changed to cabin crew as I love flying!