Keith is Fulfilling His Career Dreams
Former scaffolder Keith Couling’s work over 20 years in the Devonport Dockyard equipped him with numerous skills, but he always felt that other achievements awaited him.
Working on the practicalities of erecting scaffolding around nuclear submarines and warships at the Dockyard during that time gave him valuable experience, yet he knew he was capable of more. As he says: “I’ve always been someone who wanted to progress and push myself.” So as he approached 40, he decided to make a change that would open up a host of new opportunities.
He took on a new role as Temporary Works Co-ordinator with Keir BAM in Devonport and, after completing his probation, asked for the chance to expand his knowledge and develop his skills in civil engineering. He soon enrolled at City College to study for an HNC in Civil Engineering and, 18 months later, reflects: “It’s one of the best things I ever did.”
The HNC in Civil Engineering provides students, including those already working in the defence sector or with a particular interest in it, with the core skills needed to design, construct and maintain essential infrastructure. The course covers a range of key modules such as engineering mathematics, structural analysis and design, materials, ICT and design, civil engineering construction, and construction and civil engineering management.
“I hadn’t done any sit-down qualifications for over 20 years and to be honest I was a little bit out of my comfort zone, but it’s been easy to enjoy because you are with people in a similar situation doing the same sort of qualifications,” he says. He needn’t have worried – spending one day a week at City College, Keith has just completed his first year by achieving a distinction and with Keir BAM’s support is now going to extend his studies and progress to a Foundation Degree.
Keir BAM is a long-standing collaboration between Kier and BAM Nuttall, combining civil engineering and construction expertise to deliver major infrastructure projects, including nuclear dock refurbishments. As a Temporary Works Co-Ordinator, Keith is involved in non-permanent work within Devonport, refitting an old warship dock and turning it into a complex to house the latest submarines. His role is to co-ordinate a package of work to fulfil the needs of the teams on site.
He feels a major benefit of the HNC is enabling him to fulfil his ambitions when it comes to career progression within the Keir BAM team, and staff at the College have helped instil the confidence he needs. His ideal plan is to step into a project management role within five years. “I have enjoyed seeing what I have been able to achieve, and the College has people who believe in you and are happy to support you and that’s a massive bonus,” he says.
“I’ve had a really good relationship with the lecturers, who have been brilliant every step of the way. They are always very supportive and if I have struggled with anything then they are there to help.”
