Meet the tutor - Ian Whittaker

Meet Ian Whittaker, one of our Work-Based Learning Tutors for Electrical Engineering at The Sheffield College. 

Ian is based at our Advanced Technology Centre (formerly Olive Grove), but you’ll often find him working at our training workshop at Liberty Steel UK, Stocksbridge. With over 52 years of experience in the electrical engineering industry, Ian brings a lot of knowledge and practical expertise to his Apprentices.  

Ian is a Chartered Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of Great Britain and the IET. His career began as an Apprentice at the National Coal Board, then he worked as an electrician for 15 years before progressing to a colliery engineer role. 

Before joining The Sheffield College, Ian ran his own electrical installation and maintenance company for 32 years. His amazing background also includes teaching electronic and electrical engineering at Barnsley and Doncaster colleges. 

Ian is passionate about passing on his extensive industry experience to the next generation of engineers. “I’ve worked in light, medium, and heavy electrical engineering, and I use that experience to guide learners in their own career journeys.” 

Outside of work, Ian is a keen motorcyclist and a former squash player, having competed in the Yorkshire, Sheffield and Leeds Metro leagues. 

When asked what advice he would give to someone considering an Apprenticeship, he said: “Take on board anything and everything a tutor or engineering acquaintance is willing to share with you.” 

He encourages students to see electrical engineering as a career for life, highlighting “everyone will always need electricity and skilled electrical engineers in modern society.” 

Ian also highlights the benefits of studying at The Sheffield College: “We have an engineering team filled with experienced tutors and staff, each an expert in their own field who are dedicated to creating a safe environment and put the student experience first.” 

He believes that Apprenticeships provide invaluable practical knowledge, which employers value highly. “As an ex-large employer in the electrical sector, I can definitely say that an approved Apprenticeship trumps pure academic qualifications in the same field.”  

If you’re thinking about an Apprenticeship in engineering, Ian and the team at The Sheffield College are here to help you succeed. Explore our Apprenticeship opportunities today!