Kingston students lay foundations for good careersÂ
16/08/06
Kingston students lay foundations for good careers
Two students have found a way to turn their passions for construction and aircraft into promising careers by taking Foundation Degrees at Kingston University’s Faculty of Engineering.Daniel Burden and Peter Mok both wanted to undertake degrees that were practical in nature, but discovering they could also study and work in fields that held a real interest for them was an unexpected bonus. Daniel has just completed a Foundation Degree in Construction Engineering and Peter is halfway through a Foundation Degree in Aircraft Engineering. As Foundation Degrees are designed and delivered with industry, both men can be confident that their newly-acquired skills will be in high demand by future employers.
Daniel already knows this to be true, having secured a full time job at the major construction contractor Bovis Lend Lease. His passion for working with his hands stems from helping at a farm on the Isle of Wight when he was young. “I love being outdoors and in my sixth form I was employed by a roofing contractor learning various trades,†the 21 year old said. “The Kingston degree is perfect for me because it combines lectures and coursework with practical experience gained on job placements.â€
Having got the Foundation Degree under his belt, Daniel has developed a taste for study and has gone on to take a part-time BSC in Construction Engineering with Kingston. “Studying and working full-time is hard work but it’s definitely worthwhile as my career prospects are improving all the time. Once I graduate, I hope to develop my management skills so I can take responsibility for several on-site teams,†he said.
Aircraft engineering student Peter Mok, currently on work placement with KLM UK Engineering in Norwich, is also finding his Foundation Degree invaluable. His interest in aircraft was triggered by watching Spitfires and Lancasters pass over his childhood home as they practised for the Farnborough Air Show. After completing a BTEC in aerospace engineering, he clocked up several weeks work experience with a major airline based at Heathrow, before starting a Foundation Degree at Kingston University. “I knew from an early age that I wanted to work with aircraft. A few members of my family are in the industry so I knew the type of jobs that were available and what I needed to do to get my foot in the door,†Peter said. “When I was looking at places to study, the Kingston course stood out because you could study for a Foundation Degree as well the European Aviation Safety Agency maintenance licence required by many employers. This means the hours are quite long compared to other degrees, but it is really stimulating.†Twenty year old Peter is rapidly accumulating experience of various roles within the aircraft industry at his work placement. When he graduates in December he is hoping to work for a major airline, specialising in base maintenance which involves putting aircraft through rigorous and complex testing.