Gillian Gray

"I scored equally well on Coordinator and Quality Controller and this fits with the work that I do as it is a balance between creating designs that meet a client's expectations and ensuring that the designs meet all of the relevant rules and regulations."

"My job as a naval architect has different strands but at its core it is about the design, construction and maintenance of ships and boats. I design boats to meet specific roles, whether that is a workboat or a luxury yacht. It is an engineering role and involves the application of maths and science to design the boats so that they are structurally strong enough, powered so that they go at the right speed and are safe for the crew and passengers. I have found Naval Architecture to be incredibly rewarding. I start by sitting with a client scribbling ideas down and take it all the way through to a built vessel chugging away from the dock with a happy owner on board. It has also given me the opportunity and flexibility to work in Australia for some years and later on to work as a freelance consultant while I raise my family. As I have gained in experience the level of responsibility has increased. I started out doing important but relatively straightforward tasks under the supervision of a senior naval architect and now undertake the design of complete vessels. "

"I have worked as a Naval Architect for my whole career but in three different jobs. Before starting out on my own I worked in a shipbuilding yard in Australia and before that at the Royal Dockyard in Plymouth"

"I like to go rock climbing and I row Cornish Pilot Gigs, as well as less adventurous things like long walks and reading. "

"My work is largely computer-based with occasional on-site surveys. For example, one of my tasks as a naval architect is to carry out 'inclining experiments' on boats to allow me to check whether the boat is stable enough. This is accompanied by computer analysis on a 3D model that I have created so that I can check against the regulations for that type of boat."

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) Scottish Higher Mathematics (Grade A), Higher Physics (Grade A), Higher Geography (Grade A), Higher English (Grade A), Higher Art & Design (Grade B) Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) Honours Degree in Naval Architecture & Small Craft Engineering (First Class) "