I am Harry Henderson-Park, 23 years old, my role is a Fire and Security Design Engineer for Siemens. I was lucky enough to join Siemens as an apprentice, which gave me a great foundation to progress in the industry, after completion of my apprenticeship I moved into a Junior Design Engineer Role which was an ideal step to get me where I am now. I will be approaching my sixth year at Siemens in 2024 which is crazy to think, as I remember my first day like it was yesterday!

What initially attracted you to join the fire industry?

With an interest in engineering and electronics at school, I wanted to become a fully qualified engineer by age 25, I studied engineering at a local college and decided to apply for apprenticeships to set up a better foundation, after being successful with Siemens Building Technologies onboarding process, I slotted straight into the industry and here I am. It was great to see how many people are in the fire industry at the Annual AGM Lunch, with many experts in the field.

Reflecting on your life so far, what achievement or milestone are you most proud of, and why?

I believe it is important to have milestones. The two main milestones I look back on are the completion of my 4-year apprenticeship and the removal of my ‘Junior’ title. I have to say the achievement I am most proud of at this stage of my career is being named ‘Siemens Apprentice of the Year 2022’ which is just amazing to look back on despite various setbacks on the way. Another achievement that must be mentioned is being named the inaugural FIA ‘Young Technician of the Year Award’, again this is something I was very pleased to receive.

How can the fire industry be improved and what does it need for this to happen?

The only thing I can say is to try and introduce younger people into the industry, coming through as an apprentice myself, it has been great, and I would recommend it. Times change, regulations change etc, it would be good to have another wave of professionals for years to come. Having not been in the industry for as long as some people, there aren’t any major points of improvement from my experience.

In the next five years, what are your career goals within the fire industry, and what steps are you taking to reach them?

I would like to progress in my role and gain more and more experience each day. Every day is a school day in this job. Learn new skills and understand new software on the way. Having been at Siemens and achieved a lot in the last 5 years, I would be delighted if I were to match that momentum over the next 5 years.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out their career, in the industry?

I have recently had this conversation with my younger brother, he is 17. My advice was to find something you enjoy and have a passion for, work hard and it will all come together. You get out what you put in, equally it is important to enjoy what you do. Having been in his position after leaving school it is quite daunting but my most valuable piece of advice is that it is important to make mistakes and fail, that is how we learn.

What is the most important area of work that the FIA are involved with (for you and the overall industry - if different)?

Their training is for industry professionals. Having completed multiple training courses with the FIA, the structure is great, not to mention the trainers themselves. For me, this is important as there are skills and techniques picked up on the courses that I apply day in, and day out in my professional role. The way the FIA want to help those in the industry learn is vital to making the industry a better and safer place.

What is your favourite hobby or personal interest outside of work?

I like to spend time with my family and friends but failing that I enjoy going to the gym and keeping active, especially now I have a desk-based job! Another hobby I have recently started to take an interest in is golf, however, I have a lot to learn…

What superpower would you have and why?

I am torn between time travel and teleportation. Both could go hand in hand, but I would probably edge it to teleportation. Purely because I enjoy travelling a lot and I could use it to my advantage in many ways, both personally and professionally.

If you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday for three months all expenses paid, where would you go and why?

As mentioned previously, I enjoy travelling so I would try and visit as many different countries as possible within those 3 months. This is something I would like to do in the future. The top 3 countries of which I would love to visit are Australia, Indonesia, and the whole of the USA.

Name 3 characters you would have to dinner for the perfect evening. One dead, one alive and one fictitious.

Alive: Elon Musk, due to his pure determination and fascinating nature

Dead: Nikola Tesla, a genius, and intriguing character

Fictitious: Batman, shear discipline and good morals