Nathan Sandison - Stork
I work for Stork in Aberdeen as an Advanced NDT Specialist SME. I am now in the final year of my Engineering: Design and Manufacture (EDM) Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) program at Strathclyde University.
I began this degree at the age of 29 which was a departure from the traditional path to higher education. For years, I had slight regrets about not pursuing a university degree immediately after leaving school. Instead, I chose to enter the workforce, driven by the desire to quickly start a career offshore and earn money. At that time, my perspective was limited; I was too young to fully appreciate the long-term benefits of higher education, focusing solely on short-term gains.
The chance to pursue the GA-EDM degree presented itself unexpectedly, merely a month before the start of the first academic year. The prospect of committing to four years of study initially seemed a lot to comprehend. However, recognizing the value of this opportunity, I decided to embrace it. In retrospect, I am grateful for making that decision and seizing the chance to further my education and professional development.
Since embarking on my GA-EDM journey, I have acquired a wealth of new skills through engaging with a various different modules and hands-on tasks. Among the most impactful skills I've developed is a better understanding of project management and the associated soft skills that are important to success in this area. This includes enhanced abilities in planning, communication, and project management, which I have significantly refined throughout the course.
These skills have not only been theoretical; I have actively applied them to real-world projects in my workplace. Whether dealing with technical challenges or managing client work scopes, the project management skills I've gained has been instrumental in navigating these tasks effectively. This practical application has allowed me to integrate my academic learning with my professional responsibilities, leading to improvements in my work and contributing to my overall growth as a professional.
The biggest benefit of the GA-EDM program is being able to study for a degree while working and earning money at the same time. It's great because I can use what I learn right away in my job, and what I experience at work helps me understand my studies better. This way, I'm learning and gaining work experience at the same time, making everything I do more useful and relevant.
The GA-EDM program at Strathclyde has been so important for my personal growth and has significantly boosted my confidence the further I have went through the GA. Engaging with a diverse group of peers and professionals throughout the course has enriched my experience, providing me with new perspectives and friends.
This journey has ignited a newfound drive within me to pursue further education, with the ultimate goal of achieving chartership recognition. The confidence and networks I've built through this program have laid a solid foundation for my continued professional development, inspiring me to set higher goals and strive for excellence in my career.
Blog written by Nathan Sandison, 4th year Engineering: Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprentice