Hasan AbosharfoELECTRICAL DESIGN ENGINEER

University of Aleppo, Syria

Graduated from University of Aleppo on 12/12/2010

5 years Studied subjects including : High Voltage,

Electrical Power Stations & Automation, Fault Calculations and Modeling, Electric Power Systems Design, Power Systems Analysis, Power Systems Protection, Power Systems Stability, Power Systems Economics and Management of Engineering Projects

University of Aleppo, Syria

Membership of Professional Bodies 

Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) with designatory letters MIET (membership number is 1100588342)

Member of the Order of Syrian Engineers Damascus 

IT Skills

ICDL, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Dialux, Etab, Microstation

Overseas Career & Experience Aleppo-Syria Jan

2005 – Dec 2005

Power factor improvement in one of the biggest facilities (Al-Khafsa), water pumping station in Syria.

In this project I succeeded in significantly reducing the electric bill for this facility and also increased the efficiency of the electrical grid in that city

I was also able to cover the entire cost of the project ($150,000)from the difference in the electrical bill in just two years

Overseas Career & Experience Student Placement, Aleppo-Syria    

Jan 2006 - Jan 2010 Assistant Engineer                    

Power flow and voltage drop studies for domestic, commercial, and industrial projects.

Power factor correction studies for many projects including industrial projects and pumping stations.

Panel wireman for different kinds of control panels

Overseas Career & Experience

ER Electric, Mersin-Turkey Jan 2011 - Mar 2013

Electrical design & Installations Engineer Main, sub main and final distribution boards for domestic and commercial

buildings. Power flow and voltage drop studies 20KV transmission lines installation. Electrical studies for large scheme projects such as Rotana Hotel in Iraq  Daily work schedules for efficient team planning. Supervised on site and in the workshop to ensure that the worked carried

out effectively.

Equivalencing of Qualifications 

Arrived in England in March 2014 I was confused whether I should apply for any

available job (hospitality, building services ,etc.)or seek Engineering jobs.

Due to lack of information and the poor services offered to refugees from organisations in charge(such as Job Centre), the majority of high qualification holders make a big mistake and decide to accept the very first job opportunity.

This period can be considered the most difficult one and any decision you make will have serious impact on your life in this country 

Equivalencing of Qualifications 

A friend of mine (Syrian Embedded Systems Engineer) advised me to have a look at ‘NARIC’ web site.

My plan was to have my qualification recognized in this country and then either apply for masters course to increase my opportunities to find a career job or to apply for a job right after sorting out my qualifications.

In 7 months (while I was waiting to be granted a “leave to remain resident permit”) I tried to: Improve my English skills Get my qualification recognized Make a plan for the next chapter

After receiving my leave to remain residence permit and sorting out my qualifications I applied for masters course in City University in London and I was accepted(NARIC recognition played a large role in this). However I realized that I can't afford to go to Uni so I disregarded this plan and decided to go with plan B

Plan B was to support my CV by obtaining any further education in this country, in the electrical engineering field.  

The Requirements Electrical Installation BS7671

North West College of London In July 2015 I was awarded Level 3

qualification in the Requirements Electrical Installation BS7671(17th Edition Third Amendment)

MSC RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE ENG (NETWORK RAIL)

Apr 2016- Feb 2017 This programme for Project, Design

and Maintenance Engineers is accredited by Sheffield Hallam University (SHU). It is intended for new railway industry entrants who satisfy the necessary business requirements set by Network Rail and industry partners.

The overall structure consists of a combination of suitable work placements and technical study periods.

Career History in the UK

Electriglide, London-UK Nov 2014- Mar2015

Electrical Installations Engineer Installation, Maintenance & Repair Fuse boards upgrades Complete rewiring Fault diagnosis Alarm systems

Career History in the UK

Ambient Electrical Services, London-UK Mar 2015 –Feb 2016 Electrical Design Engineer Electrical Design works Lighting design works All aspects of contract management Supporting contract managers Estimating Cost management Keeping H&S forms up to date Preparation of technical submittal documents Preparing record drawings

Career History in the UK

Network Rail, London-UK Mar 2016 – Present Assistant Design Engineer Infrastructure Projects – Electrifications & Plants – Distribution Team Large scheme projects such (Cross Rail, HS1,etc.) Enhancing and replacing substations Assessing using new technology in the system(solar power, etc.)

The challenges I face in the UK and some suggestions

Not being able to apply for any courses (language or electrical courses)before having my residence permit. That was such a waste of precious time. Which could have been investing in improving my English skills or widening my knowledge in the electrical field in this country before being formally involved in it.

After sorting out my residence permit, job centre provided a shameful level of help to me to make the right decision or even to support me financially to attend any electrical courses. They wasted my time for more than two months and in the end they refused to offer me the money I needed for that course. Job centre is the first organization which any refugee would seek help from. From that approach I suggest providing some sort of co-ordination between Job Centre and professional bodies such as NARIC or IET in order to better guide degree-holders.

Once any refugee (with a Bachelor Degree or higher) is granted the residence permit, he/she should be connected to professional career advisers (such as Transitions) in order to enlighten them and help them on their career path.