Joining Reheat as a graduate, Colbie has quickly become a key part of the consultancy team.
Colbie tells us why, as a graduate, he was ready to make the move to Northumberland and join the Reheat team - and the huge variety his role now brings as a consultant.
"Reheat has provided me with challenges, which has required dedication and initiative, but has also given me the breathing space to develop both personally and professionally."
I graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Engineering in 2021 and subsequently joined Reheat as a Graduate Renewable Energy Consultant.
I’ve always found environmental issues - and engineering solutions to those issues - fascinating, and I wanted to pursue a career in renewable energy where I can have an impact and make a difference in my work, which is why I was delighted to be offered the role with Reheat.
At university, my research project looked at developing an engineering process to convert restaurant wastewater, contaminated with fats, oils and greases, into reusable oil compounds. I focused on the reusability of various biocatalysts and undertook a technoeconomic assessment using laboratory data; fundamentally looking at a more sustainable way for restaurants to operate within a circular economy in the food and drink sector.
My studies also coincided with Covid and lockdowns, so I became involved as a ‘Student as Change agent’. For this, I developed an online learning tool for the university department that supported students in a demanding topic. We created an online quiz which generated results so fellow students could practice, and it gave them pointers on how to improve, as well as breaking downtopics. It was a great way to apply problem solving, especially for thosefeeling isolated and finding it hard to study during lockdown.
The practical application and challenge of sustainable solutions and problem solving at university were exactly what I was looking for in my career which is why I was drawn to the Graduate Renewable Energy Consultant role at Reheat.
My role is incredibly varied, including design, feasibility studies, site visits, working with clients and supporting SMEs, as well as attending educational and industry events. I have been involved in a lot of biomass heat and power projects, and I have been able to understand renewable heat systems across a broad range of applications and sectors. I also work with clients in maintaining Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) compliance on their biomass heating systems, as well as producing general arrangement and schematic drawings.
I joined Reheat because of their positive culture, and a motivation to do the right thing - there’s a real emphasis on sustainability and bringing value to customers and not just to solely focus on profit. This matches my personal beliefs so I feel like I fitted into the organisation really quickly. I also enjoy the fact that the company fully supports my career development and future ambitions to play my role as a Renewable Energy Consultant in tackling the major climate and energy challenges we face today.
Reheat has provided me with challenges, which has required dedication and initiative, but has also given me the breathing space to develop both personally and professionally.
Do you want to follow Colbie's journey as a graduate at Reheat? Visit our careers page and let us know you're interested!
