John Lorriman’s volunteering journey with the IEE and IET spans more than 50 years and reads like a passport full of memorable stamps. From local networks and mentoring to global accreditations and international travel, John’s story is one of curiosity, commitment and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.
A lifetime of volunteering
I joined the IEE in 1970, straight out of Cambridge, when I was working as a Production Foreman at GEC Telecommunications. Volunteering soon became a natural extension of my professional life. In 1977, when I became Controller of Training at GEC Telecoms, I was encouraged to take on a role with what is now the IET Birmingham Local Network. I later chaired the network, became a Fellow in 1987, and went on to chair the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Network, where I still sit on the committee today. Along the way, I also served on the IEE Council.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with an extraordinary range of volunteers and staff, at local, national and international level. What has always struck me is how supportive and interconnected the IET community really is.
Memorable experiences along the way
It’s hard to narrow things down, but a few experiences really stand out.
Accrediting the BBC Developing Engineers Scheme gave me the opportunity to tour both BBC Broadcasting House and the Salford studios — fascinating behind-the-scenes visits that I’ll never forget.
Another highlight was travelling to Baku for an overseas accreditation. We needed safety briefings in advance from BP’s security consultants, which certainly added a sense of adventure. Thankfully, everything went very smoothly, and it proved to be a hugely rewarding experience.
Perhaps the most privileged visit of all was accrediting GCHQ’s Developing Engineer Scheme. This included a remarkable tour and a presentation from GCHQ’s historian. At the time, the Director of GCHQ was Sir Jeremy Fleming, an IET Fellow and strong supporter of the Institution.
Accreditation, mentoring and professional development
A major theme throughout my volunteering has been professional development. In the 1980s, a former graduate trainee invited me to join the IEE’s CPD Committee, which I later chaired. This period coincided with a career change for me, as I became a self‑employed consultant. Once again, the value of my IEE network became very apparent, opening doors to mentoring programmes, international CPD work and collaborations overseas, including in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
In 1985, I was awarded a Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship, which took me to Japan to study engineering education and training. That experience ultimately led to my involvement in accrediting graduate training schemes on site — work I’ve been part of ever since. Over the years, I’ve accredited schemes across the UK and internationally, including in Hong Kong, the Middle East, Central Europe, Central Asia and even Bermuda during its preparations for the America’s Cup.
The committee overseeing this work is now known as the Professional Development Operations Committee, and it’s been a pleasure to see familiar faces there over many years — including our current President, Dawn Ohlson.
Mentoring at the heart of it all
Mentoring has always been particularly close to my heart. At GEC Telecoms, I helped establish a large mentoring programme for graduates, students and apprentices. That experience fed directly into the IEE’s first mentoring pilots, which eventually grew into today’s worldwide IET Mentoring Service. I was honoured to receive the IEE Mentoring Service Award in 2007 and to support mentoring events internationally, including in Cyprus.
I’m still an active IET Mentor and currently support two members working towards CEng, one of whom I began mentoring while they were in India before they relocated to the UK following a promotion.
Supporting members on their journeys
Alongside mentoring, I’ve carried out Professional Review Interviews since the mid‑1990s, supported Routes to Registration events across several Local Networks, and helped transition these events online during lockdown, reaching hundreds of members worldwide. I’ve also been involved in creating mentor training videos, registration guidance videos and supporting tools such as Career Manager, helping members navigate what can sometimes feel like a complex process.
Earlier in my volunteering life, I also contributed to the IEE’s Management of Technology book series, publishing my own book on Continuing Professional Development and later acting as Series Editor.
“Lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a front row seat to the development of engineers at every stage of their careers”
Volunteering has broadened my engineering experience considerably — from interviewing hundreds of candidates and visiting countless training schemes, to working alongside dedicated volunteers across the globe. It’s given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a front row seat to the development of engineers at every stage of their careers.
My advice for aspiring engineers
My advice is simple. There is a very wide range of ways to volunteer, many of which are genuinely exciting and hugely rewarding. The IET is a fantastic international network, and successful networking is a powerful career accelerant — so get involved and explore the opportunities available through Volunteering for the IET.
Life beyond volunteering
I’m long retired now, and you’ll usually find me gardening or enjoying a holiday. A couple of years ago, I had a new heart valve and a cutting‑edge pacemaker fitted – technology the NHS itself is still learning from. Apparently, my continued volunteering with the IET has even made it into my medical records as evidence that I’m doing rather well!
Looking back, I can honestly say that volunteering with the IEE and IET has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
As we celebrate more than 50 years of his dedicated service, we’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the extraordinary impact he has made on the IET community, inspiring countless engineers and volunteers around the world. On behalf of everyone at the IET, thank you, John, for more than 50 years of remarkable contribution and service.
John’s volunteering story spans decades, disciplines and continents, and there’s so much more behind the highlights shared here. If you’re curious about any of John’s experiences along the way, feel free to share your questions or reflections in the comments below. John will be delighted to continue the conversation.
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