World Engineering Day is celebrated on March 4 each year, recognising the contributions of engineers and the importance of engineering in modern life and sustainable development.
Here, at Pennant, we are celebrating World Engineering Day by recognising two key members of our staff who have excelled in their careers, stemming from qualifications in Engineering.Â
Lee Davies and Tsvetelina answer some questions about their inspiration, day-to-day work, and give advice to future engineer students. Â
Lee Davies – Senior Software Engineer – working at Pennant for 28 years
What inspired you to become an engineer?
For me, the spark began in the early 1980s when I unboxed a ZX Spectrum for the very first time. Like many people of my generation, that little rubber‑keyed machine opened up an entirely new world. I was fascinated that I could type in a few lines of code and instantly make something happen on the screen. It felt like magic — but it was also the first time I realised that technology was something I could shape, not just use.
A huge part of that inspiration came from Sir Clive Sinclair. His work made computing accessible and affordable at a time when home computers were far from commonplace. The ZX Spectrum was more than just a gadget; it was a doorway into problem-solving, creativity, and the satisfaction of building something from scratch. Looking back, that experience set the foundation for my entire career. It ignited a curiosity that never really went away, and it showed me the joy of tinkering, experimenting, and turning ideas into reality.
That early introduction to programming is what ultimately pushed me toward software engineering — a career built on constant learning, adaptation, and turning ‘what if?’ into reality. And even now, after 28 years at Pennant, the diversity of projects and challenges I’ve been involved in continues to stretch my skills and keep that original curiosity alive.
What project are you most proud of?
Over my 28‑year career at Pennant, the project I’m most proud of is Fixed Wing Aircraft Systems Trainer (formally VATS). I’ve had the privilege of supporting and delivering it to customers across the UK, India, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, and each implementation has brought its own challenges and achievements. What makes FWAST stand out for me isn’t just its scale or longevity, but the fact that it has always been a team effort. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented colleagues whose skills, ideas, and commitment have been central to its success. Being part of that collaborative journey is what truly makes the project something I’m proud of.
What advice would you give future engineers?
My advice to future engineers is to stay curious, never give up, and never stop learning. Technology moves quickly, and the tools you use today will almost certainly change tomorrow, so being open to new ideas is just as important as mastering the fundamentals. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and ask questions — some of the best lessons come from trying something that doesn’t work the first time.
Tsvetelina Ilieva – IT Support Engineer – working at Pennant for 7 years
What inspired you to become an engineer?
In the 1990’s, engineering was a career that was highly advertised and respected. Different sector’s required engineers and the job was varied and vast. I was really interested in joining this area of expertise and enrolled at the most prestigious Technical University in my home country of Bulgaria.
How has being a qualified engineer affected your role / career / choices in life and at Pennant?
After studying for 5 full-time years and qualifying as an electrical engineer, I did an additional ‘IT Databases’ course which led me to follow a career in IT, which has been my main focus for the past 25 years.
My technical knowledge and attention to detail helps me solve issues and work on numerous tasks daily. Having a background in engineering has given me the drive to pursue my IT career and take on multiple other tasks at Pennant, learning and supporting all technical requirements across the Group, and enabling me to support customers with our Auxilium suite.
What advice would you give future engineers?
When I was at University, I was the only female in my class. I am proud that I qualified alongside my peers, but even more so, that I showed engineering can be an area for both men and women to excel.  I encourage other females to take up engineering – it’s an exciting, innovative and in-demand career, which I have thoroughly enjoyed.
We are proud of our highly skilled team, and continue to support and encourage those entering a career in the engineering sector.
