As part of our “80 Years of IWater” campaign, we’re proud to celebrate the extraordinary career of Sandy Squires IEng MICE DMS MSc MCIM FIWater. A passionate and dedicated professional, Sandy began his journey in the water industry in 1966 at the age of 17 and has been an active member of IWater for over 52 years. His story reflects not only personal achievement but also the evolution of the UK water industry over more than five decades.
“I began working in the Water Industry in July 1966 at the age of 17 as a Trainee Engineering Technician with Berwickshire County Council. I worked with the County Water Engineer, Deputy County Water Engineer and Superintendent, learning the business of providing a constant water supply to the consumers in the area. This involved surveying for new water mains, supervising the works of direct labour gangs who laid and renewed water mains.
In 1968, the South East of Scotland Water Board was formed and all staff were transferred to it. I was appointed a Civil Engineering Technician covering the Berwickshire area. The role involved the designing of new and renewal of water schemes, preparing Bills of Quantities and Estimates, plan preparation and site supervision of construction. During this period, I was awarded an HNC in Civil Engineering at Napier College, Edinburgh.
In 1975, the Water Boards in Scotland were dissolved and responsibility for all Water Industry works was returned to the Regional Council.
I was appointed Area Technician Operations with the Borders Regional Council. I worked with the Area Engineer responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and improvement of the water supply treatment and distribution function in Selkirkshire and Berwickshire areas of the Borders Region.
In 1979, I obtained the post of Distribution Officer in Lancaster and District, part of North West Wate,r responsible for the management of the water mains, distribution network, operation of the area control room, drawing office, inspectors and supervisory staff and works gang.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed Sub-District Manager at Kendal, responsible for setting up the organisation of a new depot to carry out the management of the water mains network and the Direct Labour organisation in Kendal. During this time, I achieved a Diploma in Management Studies (DMS). I was then the Sub District Manager in the Lancaster Area.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed System Manager in Fylde and North Lancashire, working for North West Water, engaged in the management and operation of the Water Mains Network, identifying improvement projects and ensuring that customers received a good standard of service. During this time, I completed an MSc in Management (part-time). Privatisation of the Water Industry took place during this time.
I was then appointed Territory Manager in Preston and Ribble Valley to be the face of United Utilities in the district, responsible for Hodder Water Treatment works in the Hodder Valley and White Bull Water Treatment Works, Preston and responsible for the wastewater distribution function. This role required a good understanding of the principles of water supply and wastewater treatment and the operation of the water mains networks. There was also a responsibility for all customer issues and media approaches in the area, I was required to be proactive with local media.
In 2000, I came off-line to write a Technical Licence as required by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. I retired from United Utilities in 2002. During this period, I obtained an NVQ D32, D33 Assessors certificate.
I then became a part-time NVQ Assessor – University of Central Lancashire, carrying out assessments of Candidates undertaking the NVQ in Utility Planning and Management Level 4. This also involved presentations at the Induction process and preparing and presenting workshops to Candidates on the needs of the NVQ4.
In May 2003, I became a part-time Associate Lecturer at Bolton Community College, which involved presenting BTEC Advanced Diploma courses on Water and Wastewater Engineering. I also acted as Advisor to coordinate the work of students to link their work experiences between the BTEC Advanced course and the NVQ3 in Leakage Control, both of which they were undertaking. I continued to work for Bolton College until 2014.
I believe that becoming Registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or Engineering Technician (EngTech) is recognition of your ability as an Engineer to meet the national academic and engineering standard set for the appropriate professional qualification. Achievement of these qualifications demonstrates that you have the knowledge and awareness of modern equipment and techniques available to the industry and the ability to adopt the most appropriate of these in your everyday work projects. Also, a good recognition of customer expectations and the need to carry out work with as little disruption as possible.
I would encourage all who have the correct qualifications or experience to undertake a Professional Review to become registered.”
