Engineer Sam Hubbard has been appointed 156th President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), bringing a presidency focused on championing apprentices, technicians, and the diverse routes into engineering that build the profession’s future workforce.
Sam’s presidential focus, E²: Everyday Engineers, celebrates the often-unsung engineers and technicians whose skills, expertise and dedication underpin everyday life.
After initially leaving university to pursue an apprenticeship, she built her career through practical engineering experience before later returning to higher education part-time. Her career has included roles within paper manufacturing and uranium enrichment, where she has worked across maintenance, systems engineering, engineering projects and leadership positions. Today, she is Senior Electrical and Control Engineer at Urenco, where she is responsible for complex engineering programmes and project delivery. Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about championing practical engineering skills and ensuring technicians and apprentices are recognised for the vital role they play within the profession.
A dedicated volunteer since 1999, Sam has held numerous leadership roles across the IET, including Trustee, Council member and Board Chair positions, as well as representing the IET as a Trustee of the Engineering Council. She is also a Fellow of the IET and has long been committed to ensuring the voices of technicians, Incorporated Engineers and apprentices are represented throughout the profession.
Alongside her professional achievements, Sam has been a strong advocate for STEM outreach throughout her career. As a former Young Woman Engineer of the Year winner and recipient of the WISE Excellence Award, she has spent decades encouraging young people, particularly girls and young women, to consider careers in engineering. Her volunteering has included countless school visits, recruitment events and outreach initiatives designed to demonstrate the opportunities engineering can provide.
On becoming IET President, Sam said: “I am incredibly honoured to take on the role of President of the IET, a community that has been an important part of my life for more than 25 years.
“My own path into engineering wasn’t a straight line, and that’s one of the reasons I care so deeply about ensuring everyone feels they belong in our profession, regardless of their background or route into engineering.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand that progress rarely happens alone. Whether it’s solving problems, sharing knowledge, mentoring others or creating opportunities, our greatest impact comes when people connect. My presidential theme, E²: Everyday Engineers, celebrates the engineers and technicians who quietly make a difference every day and highlights the extraordinary things we can achieve when we come together as a community.”
The President’s Address will take place on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at IET London: Savoy Place and will also be broadcast live via the IET’s YouTube channel. To find out more and register your attendance, please visit: theiet.org/presidents-address
