Sharing unconventional career stories on National Engineering Day, with Deepak Farmah

Deepak Farmah is the Director, Research and Innovation, C-ALPS at Coventry University. But his journey to become an inspirational leader was anything but conventional. To mark National Engineering Day and celebrate engineering role models, Deepak shares the story of how his career unfolded, and how the traditional educational path might not be for everyone. 

Beginning the journey 

My path to engineering didn’t come from a clear career aspiration – it came from a passion for solving problems and creating things. My fascination began with constructing intricate Airfix kits – the first, a gift from my uncle Bobby. 

I grew up in East London and faced significant challenges, including dismissive attitudes from many of my high school teachers, who often claimed I would amount to nothing. Despite these hurdles, I refused to accept their predictions.  

I veered off the traditional educational path aged 16 and spent a year exploring my own capabilities and potential. My mother encouraged me to attend an Open Day at Barking College at 17. An insightful teacher there recognised my potential in problem-solving and steered me towards an Engineering BTEC. 

The BTEC came with points for UCAS qualification – much to my surprise – and my teacher encouraged me to apply for places at different universities. I was offered a place on an Automotive Engineering degree at Coventry University. This unexpected opportunity turned out to be my way into an engineering career, blending my creative instincts with practical problem-solving, and setting the stage for a fulfilling career. 

A true calling 

My engineering career initially took me through roles at various organisations such as Honda, but I found true satisfaction when I became an engineering teacher and education leader, supporting others in finding meaningful careers. In 2015 I took a leap of faith and opened my own business, along with setting up the Innovation to Inspire Trust. It’s a charity that supports 14-16-year-olds who have not been able to make it in mainstream education, this matched my creative, entrepreneurial spirit.  

I wanted the freedom to innovate and explore new possibilities, so when I joined the Innovation team at Coventry University, it felt like my true calling had come. Alongside my colleagues Dr Shuttleworth and Richard Lane, we led the Institute of Coding project with the goal of upskilling the nation in digital technologies. In this role, I could build vital relationships between academia and industry, which I found crucial in my work, as it helped the acceleration of innovation through skills acquisition and the commercialisation of technology. 

It's through these collaborations that we launched the Electric Revolution Skills Hub, further enhancing the industrial ecosystem. These experiences have not only shaped my career path but also underscored the profound impact of fostering creativity and innovation both in the classroom and in the workplace. 

I view every career challenge as an opportunity to sharpen my problem-solving. I’ve found this mindset to be really helpful when navigating professional setbacks or confronting restrictive traditional structures. I’ve chosen to keep focused on the possibilities rather than limitations, which has given me the chance to discover innovative pathways forward, often guiding my teams to look at problems and challenges as a puzzle to solve. 

A mosaic of perspectives 

True innovation needs a mosaic of perspectives. Solutions to complex problems need a rich variety of lived experiences and insights, which can only come from a diverse and inclusive team. My methodology, deeply rooted in design thinking, relies on broad expertise and cultural insights to produce unique, impactful outcomes. Promoting diversity and inclusion is, for me, not just a moral imperative but essential for crafting these robust, innovative solutions. 

Living authentically is one of the most important things you can do to inspire yourself and others. It allows me to embody my values and passions. By aligning my professional actions with what I enjoy and find meaning in, I hope to inspire others by demonstrating that true success stems from authenticity and joy in one’s work, rather than following a prescribed path. I believe this spirit will encourage others to follow their true interests and have the courage to try and innovate. 

People are the true drivers of innovation, and that’s why I think the Enginuity Alliance should put people at the heart of its story. We often misunderstand innovation and take it only to be product- or service-based. But it’s skilled individuals who are driving these processes and routines. I hope the Alliance can foster an actively engaged community, a focus on trust and authenticity, and place priority on skills development. This is how the Alliance can propel the UK engineering and manufacturing sector forward and play a pivotal role in shaping a skilled and innovative workforce.  

Embrace any challenge 

My advice to anyone considering a career in engineering: this sector is about creation, innovation, and solving problems to better humanity. If the thought of that excites you, a career in engineering will have you feeling fulfilled and inspired. Embrace any challenge as an opportunity to make an impact, and carve your unique path within this versatile field.