Between my studies and other work, I have spent many years helping out on the family farm in the Scottish Borders. During which time I have developed skills in the safe operation and maintenance of heavy machinery, including tractors, forklift trucks and excavators.Further to this, I have been involved in the appraisal of a wood burning boiler system and a micro (<100kw) Run-of-the-river Hydroelectric scheme for the farm. I have also used my computing skills to digitalize the farm’s tax records, using Microsoft Excel.

During my time at the hospitality group, G1, I have worked in three of their Edinburgh venues. I was predominantly at The Inn on the Mile, an up-market Cocktail Bar/Restaurant with nine hotel rooms. I worked as a bartender, though responsibilities were varied and would also include stock take, serving food and helping hotel guests. Learning new cocktail techniques and recipes, as well as working towards monthly sales target incentives are challenges which I enjoyed, as well as working with a close-knit team.

Trillium is a construction/building service contractor and metalwork company. During the time I worked with them, the team completed a car park extension, a multi-level fire escape, and a large trailered portable stage unit. I further developed my skills with power tools and welding, and appreciated a chance to do some ‘hands-on’ engineering. I also learned more about making risk assessments and the practice of Health & Safety in the workplace.

My summer placement with Green Marine was centred on a design project. The aim was to produce a concept design for a modular support frame structure on which a number of small scale tidal turbines would be mounted in an array. I was tasked with the design of the structure, which involved use of 3D CAD modelling as well as Finite Element Analysis. I reported to the Managing Director, and throughout the project we received expert marine renewable engineering consultancy from the managing director of Aquatera. During my time with Green Marine, I also completed the Personal Survival Techniques STCW course,. The course teaches the fundamental knowledge of the steps which should be taken in any seaborne emergency situation, which requires the abandonment of a ship.