From Matthew Moss to Councillor & Engineer: Minaam’s Journey of Ambition and Impact
At Matthew Moss High School, we love celebrating the achievements of our alumni. Today, we are incredibly proud to share the inspiring journey of Minaam, a 2015 graduate who has gone on to build a dynamic professional career while serving as a dedicated leader in our local community.
Minaam’s story is a powerful reminder to our current students of what is possible when you aim high, work hard, and stay connected to your roots.
Foundations for Success: The Matthew Moss Impact
Minaam’s path to success began right here in our classrooms. During his time at Matthew Moss, he was supported by teachers who truly believed in his potential, encouraging him to push his limits both academically and personally.
“A lot of my teachers pushed me to aim high and supported me throughout my GCSEs. “Their encouragement helped me achieve 10 GCSEs, which gave me the foundation I needed to go on to college, university, and then into my career.”
Our staff didn’t just focus on grades; they dedicated themselves to helping Minaam develop as a whole person. By fostering resilience, confidence, discipline, and a strong work ethic, they helped shape the mindset he carries with him today.
More than anything, the school provided a vital sense of belonging and community. The unwavering support from staff instilled a deep belief in Minaam that he could succeed, even when things got tough.
Academic Excellence and Engineering
After finishing school, Minaam built directly upon the solid foundation he laid at Matthew Moss:
- Rochdale Sixth Form College: He pursued A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, which sharpened his problem-solving, analytical thinking, and ability to work under pressure.
- The University of Manchester: He advanced to study Mechanical Engineering, successfully completing a rigorous four-year MEng degree and graduating with a 2:1 in 2023.
University proved to be a challenging but deeply rewarding chapter, allowing Minaam to grow personally and academically while mastering essential skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, time management, and resilience.
Making the World Safer: A Professional Career in Fire Safety
Following a productive gap year focused on local advocacy, Minaam launched his professional career in September 2024 as a Graduate Fire Safety Consultant at Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy firm.
In this role, he quickly built specialised technical knowledge by working on fire safety strategies, audits, building regulations, and engineering reports for diverse projects—ranging from commercial offices and government buildings to international developments.
Minaam has recently progressed into the role of Fire Consultant. Today, he works to protect lives and make buildings safer by advising on fire safety designs, evacuation strategies, compliance with regulations, and risk management. To support his continuous professional development, he also serves as an Associate Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers.
Giving Back: Serving Rochdale as a Councillor
Minaam’s passion for his roots extends far beyond his professional life. Driven by a desire to support the community he grew up in, he became heavily involved in local politics and community campaigning in Rochdale.
In 2024, this dedication culminated in one of his proudest achievements: being elected as a Councillor for Rochdale Borough Council, representing the Milkstone and Deeplish ward.
Alongside his engineering career, Councillor Minaam actively balances his duties as a community representative by:
- Supporting residents with daily casework and raising local concerns with the council.
- Advocating for vital local issues such as housing, highways, education, community safety, and local services.
- Engaging in charity and humanitarian efforts, including fundraising for aid projects that support refugees and people affected by conflict.
A Message to Current Learners
Minaam’s journey from a high school student to a successful engineer and elected councillor proves that the road to success requires perseverance, hard work, and seizing the right opportunities.
He hopes his story sends a clear message to everyone currently studying at Matthew Moss High School: It is entirely possible to aim high, work hard, and make a real difference.
Thank you, Minaam, for making our school community so incredibly proud!
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