Cara Cecil

"I think my personality types match me quite well and make me well suited for my role. Coordinator:Working well with others is very important in my role as collaborating with other disciplines is crucial to the successful completion of a job. Quality controller:I have a detailed and thorough approach to my work, meaning that I can be trusted to deliver a high quality job on time - which is important when having to meet clients’ deadlines. Trainer:I’m always happy to help out a colleague whether it is sharing the workload or helping them understand how to use new software. Helping one person to better themselves benefits the team as a whole. "

"I am currently working as a Stage 2/3 Detail Designer on the Type 26 frigate project on behalf of BAE Systems, supporting the construction of the Anti-Submarine Warfare warships being built on the Clyde for the Royal Navy.We use CAD software to create a 3D model of the ship, which allows us to make sure that there is enough space for everything that the Navy needs on a warship and that everything fits in the right place before the ship is built. Every detail of the ship is created in the 3D model, from piping and electrical systems for the entire ship to small things like storage lockers and bunk beds. Stage 1 Outfit Engineers decide and plan what equipment and systems are required in each compartment of the ship. Stage 2 Detail Designers implement the design created by Stage 1 into the 3D model. Stage 3 Detail Designers create the manufacturing drawings that production use to build the equipment and systems, as well as installation drawings that show production where everything needs to be placed/installed. The starting salary for a Graduate Design Engineer varies greatly depending on your location and role. In Scotland, this is typically around £28,000 per year."

"From a young age I’ve always enjoyed anything to do with numbers and problem solving. Whilst at school I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career - as my favourite subjects were Maths and Physics, my careers advisor suggested going into engineering. My dad worked in the Aviation industry and I had always had an interest in aeroplanes so I decided to study Aeronautical Engineering.After leaving high school I studied at the University of Glasgow to obtain a BEng (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering. I graduated during lockdown and job prospects weren’t great so I decided to continue on to a Postgraduate degree. I’m very passionate about protecting the environment so went on to complete an MSc in Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy at the University of Strathclyde. Throughout my time at university I worked part-time as a retail assistant at Home Bargains, as well as volunteering as a STEM Ambassador at various outreach events and running a Rainbow unit as a volunteer for Girlguiding.After graduating I joined Belcan Marine as a Graduate Detail Design Engineer and have been here since, working on various projects on behalf of BAE Systems. "

"In my spare time you’ll usually find me hillwalking with my dog, doing yoga or making my way through my huge to-be-read pile of books. I am very passionate about the environment and regularly volunteer with a local community group, litter picking and conserving the local greenspace in general.I volunteer several nights a week with Olio, collecting and distributing surplus food from supermarkets in an effort to reduce food waste.I also volunteer one night a week with Girlguiding as a Leader of a local Rainbow unit for 5-7 year old girls. "

"Typically I arrive at the office and start work around 7.30am. First I’ll make a coffee and get organised for the day, respond to any emails and prepare for the daily team meeting, where we update each other on our progress. I’ll then spend the rest of the day collaborating with colleagues and clients through emails, Skype calls and face-to-face meetings, as well as working with a variety of software packages, the main one being FORAN (a CAD/CAM/CAE system used specifically for ship design and production). This is used to make updates to the virtual model of the ship and to update/create any associated drawings - these are then sent to the production team for use in the construction of the ship. I usually finish up by 4.30pm, apart from on a Friday when I work from home and finish by lunchtime."

"Highers - Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Graphic Communication, Spanish, GeographyAdvanced Highers - Maths, Physics Undergraduate - BEng (Hons) Aeronautical EngineeringPostgraduate - MSc Sustainable Engineering: Offshore Renewable Energy"