Our BEng (Hons) Engineering Design with Production Engineering alumni, Simon, recently sat down to share with us his BNU story and what he’s been doing since graduating in 2023. 

Simon decided to study whilst working, one of the perks of our BEng Engineering Design part-time courses. His proximity to our Aylesbury Campus made this the perfect opportunity for him to progress and thrive in his career. “Living and working near Aylesbury, the new Aylesbury campus was a fantastic opportunity to study without compromising my lifestyle. BNU is one of the few universities within the region to offer an apprenticeship degree. Which I am ever thankful for, enabling me to progress my career further with De Soutter Medical.”

Currently based at De Soutter Medical Ltd, a company that specialises in the production of surgical instrument. Here Simon is putting his learnt skills to use as a Quality Engineer, solving problems and ensuring operation run smoothly. “My job entails in finding why things do not work as they should. Not only suggesting the immediate action, but to trace back right to the origin of the fault. Whether that be: design, manufacturing, system or testing errors.” He also uses his transferable skills to take on managerial roles and work as a key member within the team. “I also manage suppliers’ relations when it comes to non-conformances, sometimes visiting them to show and discuss what we are experiencing. Sharing their knowledge and experience as feedback to the Designers. Everyday is different within the medical industry.”

On a day-to-day basis Simon commented that he uses many of the skills and knowledge he learnt in his specialist modules. “Design for Manufacturing skills are very versatile. Engineers across all sorts of industries need to understand both the internal and external requirements and needs.” Particularly “Assembly, Servicing, After-Sales Support, and the customer themselves. Being in Quality naturally Quality and Process Improvement was directly a must too. Explaining the steps to undertake to improve a product in its serviceable life.”

When asked why BNU was special to him, Simon commented on the voice students are able to have at BNU and the facilities. “The ease of access to the campus and the facilities being funded into the building, whilst studying there the management took our comments regarding what would improve the campus and implemented it soon after. BNU does listen to their students pro-actively.”

At BNU we recognise the importance in offering flexible learning opportunities. Our school of Engineering and the Built Environment does just this. “We need more advanced apprentices within the Engineering industry, harmonising both the practical and theoretical education at once. Learning while you work goes hand in hand and gives you a clear journey within your life’s career. Targets that are realistic, achievable and worth striving for. Finishing this degree has given me a massive self-confidence boost and put me in a better place.”