Inside job: Charles Webb

I describe my role to non-engineers as… protecting people by guarding machines safely, stopping machines reliably and allowing them to run productively – at a technical level that few people see and even fewer can appreciate.

The part of my job that always surprises people is… the range of people I need to relate to and have open dialogue with: machine operators, cleaners on a night shift, designers, technical specialists and managers.

The best emoji to sum up me on a typical workday is…

The best things I’ve introduced at my workplace are… contributions towards systems, templates and documents, plus other improvements that save time and add value for the client.

In my role, I always challenge… a design or an idea to ensure a client gets the best value possible. Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles and standards is instrumental to achieve this.

At work, I’ve never been afraid to… try something new – I really enjoy unique, unconventional problems that others avoid.

I admire engineers who… have an appreciation for all disciplines of engineering, especially where they overlap or merge. With machinery for example, I’ve noticed that mechanical, electrical and automation engineers who are conscious of each other’s disciplines and tasks are very effective at achieving results efficiently.

At school, teachers always described me as… well-mannered, polite and helpful in class. I did have my moments though – when I asked questions they could sometimes seem off-topic because I was deep in thought about the subject at the time, not realising the lesson had moved on.

My luckiest break was… joining TEG Risk. I have grown tremendously and to date I have been able to utilise nearly all my previous experience. When I read the job advertisement, I considered ignoring it because I didn’t think I was the best fit. In the first few months, my growth trajectory took such a steep turn I thought I wasn’t right for the job and considered resigning, but I’m glad I persevered.

The bravest thing I’ve done to get where I am today… was leaving the workforce to study my Bachelor’s degree while working as a contractor. Simultaneously, I got engaged, then we planned our wedding and bought and renovated our house. Staying in the workforce was tempting, but in hindsight, my degree availed me of more opportunity.

Best career advice I’ve received… do what you love and love what you do, then you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

I’d advise other people interested in my type of role to… find out more about what's involved and prepare for a challenge, growth and a rewarding career.

3 things I love about my job

• The variety of work. Since the principles of machine safety are the same, they can be applied to all machinery – food, beverage, pharmaceutical, building products, primary industries including meat, seafood, dairy, wood.
• An excellent team. We have a solid team dynamic and a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Everyone is humble enough to learn, and there is nearly always someone knowledgeable enough to answer a question.
• Innovation in application, design, and keeping up to date with state-of-the-art technology.

2 reasons why I chose to study engineering

• Curiosity
• Aptitude

Mechanics and machinery were both my curiosity and aptitude. When I realised that these two became a self-rewarding cycle, my engineering career grew very organically through school, trade and university qualifications, and work.

1 thing I wouldn’t change about my workday

A challenge. Day-to-day routine can be comfortable and easy, but challenges are rewarding – especially when an end goal is concieved.

This article was first published in the June 2024 issue of EG magazine.