Lewis Rands
Engineering a Sustainable Future

Since joining us six months ago through the Scottish Water Graduate Programme, Lewis has quickly become a valued team member, driven by his passion for sustainable energy and his goal of making a positive impact on local communities.

A recent Master’s graduate in Civil and Environmental Engineering from The University of Strathclyde, Lewis has been eager to put his knowledge into practice.

Beyond his day-to-day role, Lewis is already making waves in the engineering community. He was recently appointed Life-Long Learning Lead for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Glasgow and West Scotland Early Careers Network, where he will be organising site visits, industry talks, and events to support early-career engineers.

Lewis says; “I’m really excited about my new role with ICE. It’s a great opportunity to help people starting out in the industry. Seeing things in action makes a huge difference when you’re learning the ropes. Plus, it will help me develop my leadership skills and open up networking opportunities.”

Hands-on with Renewable Energy

Lewis is also gaining valuable experience with our Solar Development Team, where he’s actively involved in renewable energy projects, bringing sustainable energy solutions to life. One such project is a solar PV scheme in Falkirk, where he’s taken full ownership.

“I’ve always believed engineering should be about solving real-world problems,” he adds. “Renewable energy isn’t just the future – it’s something we need to invest in now to make a real difference.

“For me, this is where all the theory from university meets the reality of implementation. I love the challenge of turning ideas into something real. It’s not just about designing something sustainable; it’s about ensuring it works in practice.”

As part of his placements, Lewis will eventually join our Capital Delivery Team, gaining hands-on experience managing the construction phase of the solar project.

“Developing a project on paper is one thing, but watching it come to life during construction is a whole new challenge. I’m excited to understand how everything fits together.”

At the same time, Lewis is working towards his chartership, a significant milestone in his career development.

“Becoming chartered is important to me because it represents a commitment to growth. It’s not just about ticking a box; it’s about continuously improving and learning.”

Looking ahead, Lewis is excited to keep making a difference in Scotland’s green energy future. With his passion, drive, and determination, this is just the start, and there’s so much more to come!

Debbie Henderson, Senior Project Manager with Scottish Water Horizons says, “Lewis has been a fantastic addition to the team. His enthusiasm for sustainable energy and his willingness to take ownership of a complex project such as the Falkirk solar PV scheme so early in his career are testament to his dedication and skill. We’re excited to see what he will achieve as he continues to grow.”