Student Spotlight - Kieran Gibson
“I have loved studying at UHI far more that I initially expected. When I started, I thought that being in my thirties would mean I would find it harder for one reason or another but in fact I think I probably enjoy it more.”
Returning to education as a mature student can be daunting, but this week’s blog demonstrates that it can be a life changing experience and something that Kieran wished he had done sooner. He chatted to us about his time 👇
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Kieran Gibson and I’m from Scotland - all over but mainly Tayside/Perth and Kinross area.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth?
I’m currently going into HNC Engineering Systems - previously I did the relevant NQ Level 5 and NQ Level 6. I also have plans to continue studying into HND and further.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I am from the Tayside area, so I was already aware of UHI, and I was made aware of the engineering programme by a friend who had completed a course the year before I started.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
Before studying at UHI Perth I was working with a lot of restaurants (Japanese) as a chef and, after lockdown, I also helped small businesses start up with shadow kitchens as a lot of businesses were closed. After the covid lockdown, I decided to move away from Edinburgh where I had been living for about 10 years and move back home. After being unsure what to do, and needing a new aim, I spoke with my father who is an engineer, and he urged me to investigate studying as he felt I would enjoy it and would work well within it. However, I was conflicted as I was worried, I was maybe a bit too old or not smart enough.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
Engineering has been something I always thought was interesting, but I was always worried I wasn’t smart enough especially due to my concerns with my mathematic skills. After speaking with a friend who had done engineering at UHI before, and then speaking with a UHI advisor, I decided to take the leap and go into NQ Level 5 and progress now into HNC. I chose to continue doing it at UHI as a lot of the lecturers are passionate about what they do and will always help when they can.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Honestly, playing with the ‘toys’! I really enjoy getting my hands on a new piece of equipment I’ve never used or even seen before and learning everything I can about it. I like learning what it can do, what are its limitations, and how does it function. I get a sense of pride when I’m able to safely and correctly use a piece of equipment. I can also use the skills outside of studying for projects and such. Some examples of this are the welding equipment right up to lathes and CNC machines.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
It would be hard to pick just one. For me, the fact that each week I’m able to do something that only a few weeks prior I could never have done. From maths, to working on equipment each week, I’m constantly improving.
I like the end of year projects as it allows you to take the skills you have learned and fully put them into a single project. Usually with some level of creative freedom.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
As I mentioned above, all of the skills as I have been constantly improving thanks to a lot of the lecturers at UHI. Any one of these skills are something I could see myself using in the future when looking beyond UHI.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I personally have not as I work two jobs as well as study and as I have commitments, I’m unable to create that free time. However, I believe that others on my course have.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
A lot of the lecturers have been incredibly supportive. A great example are Colin Macdougall and Angela Skea. Colin creates a very welcoming and fun environment that gets you excited for each class and was often the classes I most looked forward to. Angela has the skill to make what was considered are most complex class of the year, much easier to understand and takes time with each student to ensure they are learning to the best of their ability.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
I was the recipient of an award called the ‘Shield for Academic Achievement in Engineering’ which was the first academic award I have ever received so I was very chuffed, and it was comforting to feel reassured that I was doing well in my studies.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
My favourite thing about the facilities is the vast array of equipment and resources. There is often a new piece of equipment (toy) that arrives and being able to learn and use it is a fantastic privilege. The library also has a great selection of materials as well. Usually if I’m not in a workshop, I’m in the library.
It’s also worth mentioning that I think the breakfast rolls at the Brahan are the best in Perth so it’s worth getting to class early to get one!
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have loved studying at UHI far more that I initially expected. When I started, I thought that being in my thirties would mean I would find it harder for one reason or another but in fact I think I probably enjoy it more. A lot of the classes are engaging and interactive and the support for students is phenomenal.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I have indeed. In my free time I like to do cooking, gardening, and I began beekeeping last year. Also, the occasional video game, and I build and paint model kits (Think Airfix and Warhammer), and I also (terribly) play some music.
Interests wise is a bit broader. I have ADHD and often find 10 new things a week I’m interested in but it’s usually something manual/physical with my hands or a new bit or tech that seems interesting.
As an example, Japan just created an environmentally new plastic that is durable, fully recyclable but also fully dissolves in sea water. How cool is that!
You are currently working as a part-time technician at UHI Perth. How did this job come about and what does it entail?
I am indeed. This was a job offered to me during my studies, I think partially because I wanted to find work experience but due to my commitments, I was unable to just take a temporary role but I was also curious about working in education around engineering. But I also hope due to my competency!
I currently work as the Technician mainly over at the Aviation Hub but can also be found in some of the other rooms. My job required me to maintain and facilitate a learning environment for other students often some who are in classes beyond me. This means working closely with lecturers and making sure that if there are classes that require certain equipment set up or materials sourced my job is to set up and source those things. It also requires me to keep the spaces clean and compliant with health and safety standards among many other things
It also means that if a student sees a piece of equipment that they want to learn how to use or need someone to show them how to do something with it I can help them learn to use the equipment safely.
After you finish your studies, what are your future career plans?
I wish I could give you a certain answer but since I started at UHI my options have already broadened.
I would like to work offshore and get some experience in the industry and further increase my skill set and work on saving up for a house. I also think working towards becoming a chartered engineer is a goal I’m more seriously looking at mainly for personal accomplishments.
However, since my time at UHI I have started to look more closely at working in education surrounding engineering especially with my newer role as a technician but that still a newer option to me that I’m looking into.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
First, you are never too old to start. Just give it a go! I wish I had told myself this years ago but alas. If you’re 16 or 60, it doesn’t matter. The only thing you need to do is show up and be willing to learn.
Also don’t worry about your current skill set. You can’t get bogged down thinking negatively about what you don’t know. That’s why you study, so you could learn those things, otherwise if you already knew how to do it all you wouldn’t need to study.
This was something I thought about a lot when starting as I am/was never particularly good at maths. But now I’m able to do things I never would have imagined!
Lastly if you do go into study, don’t be afraid to ask questions. The lecturers and staff are there to help.
