Talented Fraser engineers bright future with a Graduate Apprenticeship
Engineer Fraser Bruce has developed lifesaving technology and delivered projects amounting to millions of pounds though his Graduate Apprenticeship.
Fraser has led on the delivery of over £2.2million of commercial diving and defence products over the last four years, after instigating the introduction of Graduate Apprenticeships at his company, JFD Ltd.
The 28-year-old has also been listed as an inventor on a patent filing, after successfully developing a prototype demonstrator to automatically calculate the escape time in a distressed submarine, which has huge potential to save lives in real world applications.
Fraser, who had already completed a Modern Apprenticeship with Michelin Tyres in Dundee, said: “Doing the Graduate Apprenticeship enabled me to align my academic studies with real world experience and participate in the submarine project.
“I was extremely proud to be named as an inventor when the patent on the prototype demonstrator was filed - it’s something engineers dream of.”
Fraser, of Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire, persuaded his bosses that the Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering: Design and Manufacture (Electronic) offered by Heriot Watt University would have an immediate impact on their business.
He saw how the apprenticeship could enable him to develop skills in programmable electronics and software that he could apply to the products JFD Ltd develops.
The opportunity aligned with the firm’s objective of growing and retaining people and Fraser’s dedication ensured it was a success, earning him promotion from Junior Engineer with limited experience to an Electrical Project Engineer with increased responsibility for specific product lines.
He is now an integral part of the firm’s engineering team, trains other team members and is seen by colleagues as a ‘go to’ person and expert in his field.
Fraser explained: “Knowing the value Graduate Apprenticeships bring to a business, in terms of technical knowledge combined with practical on-the-job learning, made it much easier to pitch to my bosses.”
The prototype of his invention, which he created as part of his final dissertation at Heriot Watt University, has an anticipated accuracy of more than 90% compared to the current manual method which has an accuracy of 41%.
Fraser, who completed his apprenticeship and graduated with a First-Class Honours, plans to progress on to Senior Electrical Project Engineer with his firm and look at leadership roles.
Fraser added: “Being able to work, learn and earn through an apprenticeship meant that I could pay my mortgage and save for our wedding – I wouldn’t have been able to do the degree otherwise.”
JFD Global Training and Competency Manager Kevin Hadden said: “Fraser is our shining light – he’s very bright, brings a lot of energy and is a self-starter.
“Apprenticeships were introduced as a way to invest in early careers and develop a talent pipeline of people who are used to a learning culture – they are a great way to get new ideas, invigorate the business and retain staff.”
Graduate Apprenticeships are a way to get qualified up to Master’s degree level while in paid employment.
Designed by education and employers, Graduate Apprenticeships are working for Scotland by supporting key sectors that need highly skilled workforces.
Heriot Watt University Programme Director EPS, Assistant Professor Adnan Zahid said: “Fraser combined strong academic performance with a genuine enthusiasm for applying his knowledge in practical and meaningful ways.”
Fraser’s achievements have led to him being a finalist in the Graduate Apprentice of the Year category at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards in association with SP Energy Networks.
The awards take place on 26 February as the launch event for Scottish Apprenticeship Week (2 to 6 March). Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot/awards.