Ben Brooks, current Head of Engineering at Nexus, has been recalling his varied career as five new engineering roles are being advertised to join the engineering team at Nexus who look after the Tyne and Wear Metro, amongst other assets.
Amongst the roles he has had in his 13-year career since graduating from Northumbria University was a three-year spell at the Palace of Westminster. During this period he looked after assets such as Big Ben, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the basement where Guy Fawkes was caught when involved in the Gun Powder Plot.
Ben, aged 35, said: “It was such an honour and a privilege to work at Westminster. I was delighted to join Nexus when we moved back up north to start a family, but I’ll always cherish my time down in London. Working in Parliament felt like I was really doing something for the good of the country, right at the heart of our democracy.
“I got to see every nook and cranny of the place. I saw areas behind the scenes the public don’t really get to ever go into. It’s one of the most famous buildings in the world. It’s a truly fascinating place to work. I loved my time there. You can feel the history when you walk around the place.
“A real highlight for me was getting involved in the conservation of the Elizabeth Tower, which most people know as Big Ben. I got to work with the estate historian on that one, which was a particular privilege. The clock hands were returned to their original Victorian colour scheme. My role was to work on the lighting systems which light up Big Ben’s clock face at night. We had to get the colour scheme absolutely right.
“When Queen Elizabeth II passed away, I was called to help with some of the work that was required at Westminster Abbey and at Westminster Hall, where Her Majesty was to lie in state. I did specifications and design work for the many temporary installations that were needed for this huge moment of national mourning.
“I’ve been down in the hidden labyrinth of subterranean basements, tunnels and cellars below Parliament, even the one where Guy Fawkes was caught during the Gun Powder Plot. It was surreal to be able to go in there.”
He added: “I would recommend a career in engineering to anyone. It’s brilliant. No two days are the same. I’m excited about this latest chapter, working for Nexus, and supporting the many the public transport services they deliver, not least the Metro.”
- The current engineering vacancies can be viewed at https://www.nexus.org/engineering-vacancies