Meet Colin Cook – Director

With over 30 years’ experience as an engineer, Colin holds the position of Director and Office Head at our Hartlepool office.

Since Joining JNP in 2005 (for the second time) and opening the Hartlepool Office, Colin has undertaken the role of Office Head and subsequently Director of JNP, and has been responsible for marketing and growing the Hartlepool office and the wider JNP group.

Colin, when did you first became aware of the possibility of a career in engineering?

I first became aware of Engineering as a career when I started work in the drawing office, as what would now be called an Apprentice, for a local developer back in 1982.

Why did you choose Civil Engineering as a career path?

Honestly I didn’t choose Civil Engineering it chose me. Initially I wanted to be an Architect, but back in the 80’s from the area I was from the university course was luckily beyond my reach. During my Apprenticeship, while working on many Architectural elements of residential developments, I was introduced to more and more Civil Engineering work and as with most training the teacher, or mentor, plays a huge part in developing the enthusiasm for the role. I am still in touch with David Heron, the engineer I worked with back in those days.

What advice do you have for someone interested in engineering?

Go for it! Civil Engineering provides an opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and opens up many opportunities that perhaps don’t come your way in other professions. However the learning and hard work never ends, but on balance they are all worth it.

Finally, any words of wisdom you would like to share?

I have worked on a many different projects that have taken me to many different countries, and allowed me to see and do things that I would never have experienced in other careers; and for that I am truly grateful to David and Civil Engineering.