Engineer’s accolades

Flight Lieutenant David Clyde with his award for ACT Young Professional Engineer of the Year for 2003. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

By LACW Simone Liebelt

JUDGED the best under the age of 30, Air Force engineer Flight Lieutenant David Clyde has taken out the top two prizes at the ACT Young Engineers awards in Canberra.

Engineers Australia named FLTLT Clyde, 25, the ACT Young Professional Engineer of the Year based on his impressive CV and written essay on a topical engineering issue.

After receiving the honour, he continued to impress the judges at the ACT Young Engineers Public Presentation Competition with his topic on the public identity of the engineering profession, earning him first place.

FLTLT Clyde was surprised but delighted to win both awards.

“I participated for the experience rather than any particular expectations. It is somewhat satisfying to know that the experience gained as a young engineer in the Air Force is comparable to young engineers working in other areas,” he said.

The winnings top off an impressive list of accomplishments.

Joining the Air Force in 1996, he was awarded several distinguished academic and military prizes and commendations while studying an electrical engineering degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). He was selected for the South Korean exchange visit in 1998 and was awarded the University Medal after graduating from ADFA with honours in 1999.

In addition to participating in young engineers’ social activities and competitions, FLTLT Clyde is a karate instructor and has recently completed the Military Self Defence Supervisors course at ADFA.

He believes the Air Force encourages engineers to advance and expand their professional skills through a wide range of opportunities.

“The different work and life experiences I have received from the Air Force will form a foundation for my future career,” he said. “I have gained the most from working and interacting with such a wide range of people. My intent is to work in a variety of different project and engineering areas over the course of my career.”

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