09
Jul
Chris Sime has rapidly advanced into a design engineering role, building on an already impressive early career.
Last year, he was presented with the 2025 North East Apprentice of the Year award at the Energy Efficiency Awards and is a year into a two-year Level 5 programme for his Foundation degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Newcastle College University Centre.
It’s been a rapid progression path for Chris, who still at only 19, is showing promising signs, he has what it takes to take him to the very top of his profession.
He is currently employed as a design engineer at commercial HVAC and renewable energy specialists, Oakes Energy Services. His role is to design and price Solar PV systems on commercial buildings and has already gained a considerable amount of experience in such a short space of time.
Chris has supported and worked with Oakes’ clients including Northumberland Estates, Greggs, Northern Gas and school projects across Sunderland on behalf of the city council.
He is a mentor to two other apprentices working within the team and successfully completed his Level 3 apprenticeship earlier this year.
The first year of his Level 5 programme will incorporate the equivalent of Level 4 content and the course will cover a broad range of electrical engineering disciplines, including control systems and programming, electrical design principles, cable sizing, power systems and the mathematical and scientific principles that underpin engineering design and analysis.
Chris said: “The transition from my Level 3 qualification has been significant. While my Level 3 studies focused on construction principles, installation practices, engineering processes, and an understanding of industry regulations, the Foundation Degree has developed my analytical and technical capabilities to a much greater depth.
“Studying both qualifications has provided me with a well-rounded understanding of engineering. I have developed a strong technical foundation for producing robust electrical designs while also gaining an appreciation of the practical challenges encountered during installation and project delivery. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical awareness enables me to create designs that are not only technically sound but also realistic, compliant, and buildable.
“I’m very grateful to Oakes Energy Services for giving me the opportunity to support me through my foundation degree and to give me practical hands-on experience of delivering live multi-million pound projects.”
Nik Smith, Managing Director of Oakes Energy Services, said: “Chris has shown real desire and appetite to succeed in the businesses. This was further demonstrated by winning the North East Apprentice of the Year award last year. He has been working with us for almost three years now and he’s a real asset to the team and business and I’m looking forward to seeing him progress his career over the coming years.”