Christine Thomas
Assistant Major Capital Development Manager and IHEEM member
Christine is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Senior Project Manager with experience across heavy engineering, manufacturing, and the NHS. She's delivered multimillion- pound capital projects, energy-efficiency programs and risk-based inspection systems, always focused on safety, compliance and sustainability. She works with both technical and non-technical team members, bridging the gap by explaining complex projects in clear, practical terms. She enjoys turning technical detail into solutions that improve healthcare infrastructure and efficiency.
"If I can't fly planes, I'll fix them"
I was once told that careers are like jungle gyms – not ladders. You bounce around, try different paths, and eventually find your way. That’s certainly been true for me.
My route into engineering started in the Air Cadets, where I dreamed of becoming a pilot. But when I found out my eyesight wasn’t good enough for military flying, I thought, “If I can’t fly planes, I’ll fix them.” That mindset led me into engineering.
I became the only girl in a class of 20 engineers – mechanical class and electrical class combined. I did well, and narrowly missed out on a maths competition I didn’t even know I’d been entered into… I did get a free mug though!
From there I went to university, despite my grandad insisting I should do an apprenticeship if I wanted to be a ‘real’ engineer. Looking back, I think he was right – I loved the hands-on problem solving and technical work. University gave me the theory, but I missed the practical side.
Today I use these skills daily in my role at Hywel Dda University Health Board, working across operational hospitals. I’m a bit of a chameleon: translating technical jargon for nursing teams and domestic teams, and vice versa. That ability to adapt and communicate is just as important as the engineering itself.
So, to any student unsure of their path: it’s OK not to get it right first time. Just keep daring to discover – you never know where it might lead.
Discover engineering careersCareers are like jungle gyms – not ladders. You bounce around, try different paths, and eventually find your way.
— Christine Thomas, Assistant Major Capital Development Manager and IHEEM member
