Engineering Community: The Power of Volunteering with Ben Unett and Christopher Proudfoot
In engineering, technical skills are vital, but they’re only part of the story. What really brings the profession to life is connection. The IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) offers a space where professionals can share knowledge, build relationships, and contribute to the wider community.
We spoke with two passionate volunteers, Ben Unett and Chris Proudfoot, who’ve found that volunteering has been both personally rewarding and professionally enriching.
In a recent conversation, they shared their experiences of volunteering, the impact it’s had on their careers, and why they believe others should get involved.
Giving Back with Purpose
Ben Unett joined the TN with a clear goal: to give back. “One of my goals is to become a Fellow of the IET,” Ben shared. “But more than that, I wanted to give back some engineering knowledge from industry into the wider community.”
Ben’s motivation reflects a common theme among TN volunteers and the desire to share what they’ve learned and help others grow.
“There’s so much information out there,” Ben said. “The challenge is making it easy for people to find and use.”
Leadership and Building Lasting Networks
Chris Proudfoot’s journey with the TN spans nearly a decade. After a quiet start for the Manufacturing TN, he had a vision of what was needed to re-vitalise the committee, stepped into the role of Chair and helped transform the network into a vibrant, active community.
“The first three years were a bit hesitant,” Chris recalled. “But when I was given the opportunity to take over as Chair, that was one of the highlights of my career.”
Even in retirement, Chris brought fresh energy to the network. He rallied a strong team, introduced new event formats, and even hosted a futuristic session titled “A Day in the Life of a Manufacturing Engineer on the Moon in 2124.”
Volunteering isn’t just about giving. It’s also about growing. Ben talked about how stepping outside his day-to-day role helped him see the bigger picture and how being part of the TN has expanded his perspective.
“When you’re so ingrained in industry, it’s nice to come out of it and listen to other people in different industries,” he said. “I find that quite beneficial and it opens your mind.”
Why Join?
When asked why someone should get involved, Ben and Chris didn’t hesitate.
“It broadens your horizons,” Ben said. “You learn things that you can apply in your everyday work.”
For Chris, the value of volunteering lies in personal growth, contribution, and connection and not just career advancement. "It helps you grow as a person, see a wider range of things, and be able to contribute,” he said.
A Community Worth Joining
The IET Manufacturing TN isn’t just a technical network, it’s a community. It’s a place where engineers come together to share, learn, and lead. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to give back, volunteering offers a chance to make a real impact.
As Chris put it: “A volunteer role on the TN can be very rewarding and help you in whatever role you do.”
And Ben summed it up perfectly: “It’s good fun.”
Upcoming Activity
If you want to keep up to date with what we are planning you can on our page or sign up for our next webinar on 20th November,
Quantum Computing in Manufacturing – Applications and Enabling Technologies