Stuart Gladstone

Stuart Gladstone
JOB Electrical engineer
EMPLOYER Aker Kvaerner
DEGREE BEng electrical and electronic engineering (2002)
UNIVERSITY University of Northumbria

Finding a job

In my final year at university I went to several recruitment fairs that were attended by companies from the North East. I spoke to my current employer at one of these events and was invited for an interview. It was a two-day interview including a presentation, after which I was offered my position.

My role

Currently my week is split into office-based design, site supervision and commissioning work. The office work involves designing the electrical, instrumentation and control system requirements for three sewage treatment works (STW) as part of a design team including mechanical, civil and process engineers. When the sun is shining I venture outside to do some commissioning on two STW plants I have previously designed, which have a total project value of £4 million.

Training

I had a two-week introduction to the different departments and procedures within the company. I then spent 18 months working under close supervision, after which point I was given other responsibilities and started to work more independently. The initial training given varies depending on the work you will do but the first part is about being integrated into the business and completing training courses that will be useful further down the line.

The highs

Seeing the design you have developed being turned into a working and functioning system. The STW I developed will be running for the next 20–30 years.

The lows

As you progress you get more responsibility and freedom in your work. However, you are also expected to put the necessary hours in to ensure a project’s success.