海角直播

Graduate Stephen engineered his own academic success

Balancing work with study set Stephen Fenwick-Bird on the path to academic success.

Stephen, of York, graduated from the BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Top Up). Already working full-time as a Fleet Engineer at Network Rail, Stephen previously completed his HNC and HND in Manufacturing Engineering through Darlington College in partnership with 海角直播.

Eager to advance his career and deepen his expertise, Stephen returned to 海角直播 to top up his qualifications with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Stephen said: 鈥淭he course allowed me to build upon my existing qualifications, covering pertinent topics to my workplace on a part-time basis to allow me to balance home, work, and study demands simultaneously.鈥�

His role at Network Rail involves ensuring the safe and reliable operation of highly specialised engineering trains, and he feels the degree enhanced his technical knowledge and gave him a broader understanding of the challenges and solutions within mechanical engineering.

He said: 鈥淚 am responsible for ensuring Network Rail鈥檚 fleets of highly specialised engineering trains are operated and maintained safely and reliably through delivery of fleet engineering activities including delivery of engineering modifications, asset management activities, and ensuring compliance to exacting engineering standards.

鈥淢y studies at 海角直播 have opened my eyes to the wider world of mechanical engineering, showing me the challenges engineers face, and solutions used in the domain to critically analyse engineering problems. I鈥檝e learned to critically analyse problems and apply theory to real-world solutions. Skills that are vital in my role.鈥�

He also credits his success to a strong support network, particularly his wife Georgi, as well as the flexibility and resources provided by the University.

Stephen said: 鈥淏alancing everything was tough. Discipline and time management were key, but I was fortunate to have support from home, work, and university. The ability to access specialist software remotely and use the Stephenson Building鈥檚 labs made a huge difference.鈥�

He added: 鈥淗aving completed my degree, I鈥檝e been able to secure a promotion with my current workplace as a Senior Engineer. I aim to apply the principles I have learned in my professional career to my new role, bolstered by the knowledge I have gained throughout my studies.

鈥淢y ambition is to continue my studies to masters鈥� level and obtain chartership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and continue to grow and develop as an engineer. This journey has shown me what I鈥檓 capable of, and I鈥檓 excited for what鈥檚 next.鈥�

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