An interview with Andrea White MSc BSc(Hons) IEng FIFireE C.BuildE MCABE MIFSM CMIOSH from AW Fire announcing her new position as Saint Ambassador

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My name is Andrea White.  I’m a fire engineer and I’m delighted to become a Saint Ambassador and support others in the construction industry to take the next step in their careers.

I work for myself, under the company name A W Fire, supporting designers and developers with fire safety aspects of construction projects.  I do quite a lot of external wall assessment and I also undertake fire risk assessments.

I’ve worked in the fire safety industry for over 20 years and I’m an Incorporated Engineer via the IFE and a Chartered Building Engineer with CABE.

I set up my own consultancy so I could have greater control over the quality of the work I produce and the time I spend on a job.  The best thing about working for myself is the flexibility and independence I have.  I have a really strong work ethic and I love my work but being my own boss means that I can combine working with caring responsibilities I have for my family.

This year I established WIFENG – the Women in Fire Engineering Networking Group and I was delighted to be nominated for the Women in Fire Safety Awards in the Inspirational category.

What do I think about mentoring?  Well, I think a mentor would’ve been really useful in the early part of my career.  I now have 3 mentors of my own and I am keen to pay that forward and mentor others.  I would say to you that there are people out there who are willing to give you their time for free and provide support and guidance.  And I would urge you to make the most of that opportunity.

So what does the future look like for the building industry?  Russel Curtis said “In the obsession with cost and time, we’ve forgotten quality”.  I’m keen for us to do things properly and be justifiably proud of the buildings that we produce.  I’m keen to be part of that journey towards us being better and doing things better.  And that’s why I have become a Saint Ambassador.