We caught up Mohammad Taher - known as Mo T - to find out about his experience being part of the popular TV programme for the first time, his role at Heathrow and more about his 'baggage toppler'.
What did you enjoy most about being part of the television series?
I love the fact it allows me to share what I do. Most people won’t have seen what Engineering is about, which means the younger generation may have perceptions about the field that are wrong. I am on a mission to break those misconceptions. I want to inspire more young people to consider Engineering as a career path because it can be so rewarding. Engineers are a fundamental part of our society and they will shape the future of our world.
How did you get your role at Heathrow?
While studying Aerospace Engineering at university, I was also selling sofas at IKEA part time, which helped me to discover a love for customer service. After graduating, I wanted a job that gave me the chance to be involved with complex and technical problem-solving within a customer-centric environment. Getting a position on the Engineering graduate programme two years ago was like winning the jackpot!
It is a dream come true being at Heathrow, especially as I grew up in West London. This was part of the reason I chose to be an Aerospace Engineer in the first place.
What has been a particularly memorable moment for you while working at Heathrow?
It has to be the moment my baggage toppler design was installed in Terminal 2. This started as an idea I had to solve the problem of standing bags, which was developed into a prototype and then a reality, with the help of our inhouse engineering workshop.
The moment it was installed in Terminal 2, I knew that my solution was adding value directly to the customer journey. This makes me very proud and is the reason I love engineering.
What is one piece of advice you would share with our colleagues/passengers?
Don’t check in bags with too many straps, they can get caught in the conveyor belts!
The series shows how every day at Heathrow presents different challenges for colleagues, what do you find is the most interesting/challenging aspect of your role?
Whilst in the Engineering team for baggage, I loved seeing the variety of bags that the system handled at any one time. There would be anything from a 7kg Trunkie on wheels to a 27kg gym sack in the baggage system at once.
The system needs to be able to get them both from A to B – this is easier said than done!
.Where are you most looking forward to travelling to when you can?
Norway, as I love hiking and camping in the Scandinavian forest.
Is there anything about travel that you’ve missed over the last few months?
I have missed being able to get to certain destinations but I’ve loved discovering areas within the UK, it has been a great road trip opportunity.
What is the best holiday you've ever been on?
I went backpacking in Vietnam for 2 weeks and I was staying with locals, which was a great cultural experience. My favourite part of any holiday is embracing the local culture and Vietnam was full of that.
Where is your favourite destination to fly to from Heathrow?
Anywhere with big cliffs that I can sit on the edge of - I’m an adrenaline junkie.
Thanks to Mo for this interesting insight into his experiences at Heathrow and the complexities of the baggage systems.
