For the past eight years, 24-year-old Lukasz has built up his skillset in the workplace and with engineering courses at NESCol.

Polish-born Lukasz Szpaderski grew up in the UK. His NESCol journey began when he left school in 2016 to start a manufacturing technician Modern Apprenticeship.

A mandatory part of an engineering Modern Apprenticeship is the Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) SVQ Level 2, which Lukasz studied at Fraserburgh Campus.

Mechanical and electrical engineering

Since completing the PEO SVQ, Lukasz has worked his way through a range of mechanical engineering courses. This has included NCs at both SCQF Levels 5 and 6, HNC Mechanical Engineering and a Level 3 SVQ.

He said: “The experience and valuable knowledge I gained from College allowed me to pursue great career opportunities with well-known employers in manufacturing, oil and gas, and maintenance/ machinery.”

In 2022, Lukasz moved on to a trainee maintenance technician role at Schlumberger, while continuing his studies.

After completing his HNC Mechanical Engineering, Lukasz thought his time at NESCol had come to an end. However, he decided to return to College in 2023 to take on a different challenge: a HNC in Electrical Engineering.

He said: “This was quite challenging without previous experience or electrical engineering qualifications, but in the end, I was able to achieve the certificate with the support of the great lecturers at Fraserburgh Campus.”

As well as completing his second HNC, for the past year, Lukasz has been employed as an Internal Electrical/ Mechanical Technician with RS Machinery.

Success at NESCol

Growing his knowledge and improving his engineering skills has been the highlight of College for Lukasz.

He said: “NESCol has a strong ethic for providing quality education which worked well with my apprenticeships. The thing I’ve enjoyed the most has been being able to achieve my qualifications and develop my engineering qualities.

“During my time at College, I enjoyed contributing during the lessons. I would often discuss the equations we carried out for electrical engineering and how they are derived. This allowed the less confident students to participate and learn as well.

“I was able to do this as I had already studied other engineering disciplines at an advanced level, allowing a smooth transition from mechanical to electrical engineering for me.”

Student support and advice

The support at NESCol both from an educational and personal point-of-view stood out to Lukasz.

He said: “The College supported me especially during difficult times in my private life. I was able to visit a family member in hospital during College days and still had enough help to pass my course.

“The lecturers offer a great deal of support at Fraserburgh Campus, especially for students struggling with specific units like maths. Often after-college or online sessions were put in place so students like me could get more practice on their maths skills.”

Next steps

Lukasz graduated at Fraserburgh Campus on 21 September with his second HNC in Electrical Engineering.

Despite having a job already, Lukasz isn’t ready to stop learning yet and is considering studying a degree part-time. He is also currently working towards his ECS Electrical Management card, which would allow him to move into a supervisory position.

This is where Lukasz sees himself in the future – progressing to an electrical engineering supervisor or manager role.

Thinking of his time at NESCol, Lukasz said: “I highly recommend NESCol, especially if you are starting unqualified and inexperienced.

“The facilities were fantastic, especially the food in the canteen which was affordable and delicious!”

Lukasz advice to future students

Lukasz said: “Just stick in and show up!”