My name is Jamie Slack, I am 32 years old, and this is my story.
I studied a BTEC in Engineering at South Essex College from 2000 until 2002 at Basildon college, just before Basildon and Thurrock college merged together.
I passed my BTEC with one distinction, six merits and five pass qualifications, from a total of 12 different engineering subjects.
After completing my course at Basildon College I wanted to further my knowledge in engineering and my BTEC qualification helped me acquire a position on Ford Motor Company’s advanced four- year apprenticeship scheme at the Centre of Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME). I chose this particular scheme because it gives broad-based training across numerous mechanical and electrical skills, thus giving me an excellent foundation for my future career.
I gained a BTEC National Certificate (ONC) in Manufacturing Engineering and a NVQ level 2 in engineering operations. In addition various City and Guilds qualifications were awarded too.
The final two years of my apprenticeship were carried out at the Ford Engineering and Research Centre, Dunton. Within this period I was awarded Apprentice of the Year 2007, East of England Region presented by the LSC (Learning Skills Council). Gained a NVQ level 3 in engineering operations and started a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Manufacturing Engineering. I then became a qualified electrical/mechanical engineer on completion of training.
I was then given a job at the Materials Technology Centre at the Ford Engineering and Research Centre, Dunton. My primary function was the manufacturing of jigs and tooling required for the testing of material samples. I then requested another job role within the lab preparing material samples for subsequent detailed analysis and assisting metallurgists.
After completing my Foundation Degree in Manufacturing Engineering I then gained a BEng (Honours) in automotive engineering.
My current role within the lab is a Metallurgist. I am involved in the forensic investigation of components. This includes Power Train, chassis, body and electrical systems from program development, testing, manufacturing, launch, in-service, critical concern and legal investigations. I am also required to examine samples to detect surface and internal flaws, plus determine micro-structural features, evaluate heat treatments and assure conformance to required specifications. In addition I carry out root cause failure analysis when performance issues occur.
Studying engineering has given me the drive, confidence and determination to succeed.
Because I enjoy a challenge, I decided to start my own online Astrology business in 2010 called JKS Astrology. I first studied the foundations of astrology when I was 16 years old. Throughout the years I have advanced my knowledge, especially in the areas of natal, synastry and predictive astrology. What was first a hobby then become an obsession, spending many hours doing astrology readings for people from all walks of life. My methodical approach gained through engineering disciplines combined with superb intuition makes me a unique astrologer.
I chose to study at South Essex College because it offered excellent engineering courses and facilities. Many of my friends also recommended the College as the quality of tuition is fantastic.
The College has made me a determined individual with a positive and flexible attitude to assuming new roles and responsibilities. In the workplace these are essential skills to have. After completion of my course I was enthusiastic to learn new disciplines.
I use my experience gained from South Essex College to guide others in their personal development and show them the benefits that can be attained with the necessary dedication. I aspire to carry on giving 100% effort to any task I undertake and be self-disciplined in my work.
South Essex College provided the foundations for my engineering knowledge. I was able to build upon these foundations and strengthen my knowledge further in the field of engineering.
I remember the equipment at College being state of the art for its time. This is essential for any college as learning the newest techniques is essential. But they also demonstration older devices and machines, so we would not be caught out in the real world.
Engineering is a fascinating subject. I enjoyed some of the practical lessons the most and the way they were demonstrated was excellent.
It is possible I would not have got into Ford Motor Company if I hadn’t achieved my BTEC in engineering at South Essex College. Getting into a company like Ford is very competitive, especially as I did not have fantastic GCSE qualifications, only achieving a C in maths, English and science. I believe my BTEC gave me an edge, and helped to boost me confidence and knowledge.
College made me realise I am capable of learning anything. Engineering is a great subject because it covers many different disciplines. I then started to realise you could apply engineering disciplines to completely different subjects, such as astrology. To show you what I mean, let me define what an engineer: ‘is someone who is concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical, societal and commercial problems.’
I believe these skills are relevant to astrology as the fundamental basics of astrology is about observing patterns and cycles.
In the future I will continue to learn and challenge myself in my work life and my personal life.