Davis is engineering a successful career for himself through BMet!
Before returning to the UK, Davis spent several years abroad, which included spending an extended period in New Zealand. It was there, working across a full spectrum of CNC machining in the manufacturing sector, that he first became hooked on engineering.
He then chose to study at BMet to pursue his engineering dreams.
Here Davis shares his engineering career journey and experience with us…
Let’s start by asking you when you were at BMet and what you studied?
I first studied a Level 3 diploma in Advanced Engineering in September 2022 and completed it with a distinction (in all 12 modules) in June 2023. I then progressed onto the Foundation Degree in Electronic Engineering (Levels 4 & 5), which I finished in June 2025. All the courses were at James Watt College.
Why did you choose to study the courses you did?… and tell us a bit about “your journey” before to coming to study at BMet…
When I came back to the UK, my first child arrived and very soon afterwards, I decided to turn my interest into formal qualifications. I enrolled on the BMet Level 3 engineering course while working permanent night shifts at CHEP UK as a repair operative. The night shifts allowed me to attend college during the day and remain the sole provider for my growing family. The Level 3 deepened my interest in automation, so progressing straight onto the Foundation Degree in Electronic Engineering (Instrumentation and Control) was the natural next step.
Immediately after completing the Level 3, I managed to secure a Maintenance Engineer (Development) role in the same company. I continued night shifts throughout Levels 4 and 5, and shortly after finishing Level 4, I was promoted to a higher-grade Maintenance Engineer position. By the time I graduated from the Foundation Degree, I had progressed from shop-floor operator to qualified engineer in the same organisation – entirely thanks to the qualifications I gained at BMet.
How have you found your time at BMet and has it catered to your needs?
The structure suited my circumstances perfectly. Level 3 was two full days a week (9 am–6 pm); Levels 4 and 5 were one long day a week (9 am–8 pm). As I worked permanent nights, I could study during the day without losing income. The college recognised that many students had full-time jobs and family responsibilities and that understanding made the difference.
Studying at BMet as a 31–34-year-old father of two and working permanent night shifts was a serious challenge, but the course structure and support from my employer made it achievable.
My employer could see how committed I was to progress within the engineering department and when I submitted a flexible working request, they accommodated. This took a huge amount of pressure off and let me perform at my best both at work and at college. CHEP UK is a company that genuinely recognises talent and ambition. Hard work and self-development are noticed and rewarded and their support throughout my studies is a perfect example of that.
What do you think of the support that you’ve received at BMet?
Excellent. Most lecturers have real industry experience, so everything we learned was directly relevant to my day-to-day (or night-to-night) work. They treated mature students as professionals, understood the realities of full-time shift work and family commitments, and were always available for advice. That mutual respect kept me motivated through some very demanding years.
I must give particular credit to Jenny on the Level 3 course, she was an outstanding tutor, and to Anthony and Desmond on Levels 4 and 5, who both consistently went above and beyond to support students despite their own heavy workloads.
What have you particularly enjoyed during your time at BMet and what are your best experiences?
The best moments were winning awards at two BMet ceremonies. I obtained a BMet (Be Brilliant) Award at their student awards after completing my Level 3 course and an Outstanding Progress Award at this year’s HE Graduation Ceremony.
Collecting the awards in front of my family and seeing their pride, made the entire journey worthwhile.
What are you going to do after your time here and what are your hopes for the future?
At my role at CHEP UK, I’m already getting more involved in site projects. I particularly enjoy improving and optimising processes and I’m currently looking to get deeper into automation projects, focusing on optimising existing systems through PLC programming and data analysis.
After three very intense years of studying, I’m taking this academic year off formal education to spend more time with my family, recharge and concentrate on applying everything I have learned on the job. After that, I fully intend to return to higher education on a part-time/flexible basis to top-up to a full BEng/BSc, in Control & Automation Engineering or Artificial Intelligence applied to industrial systems.
Longer term, achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status is a definite goal. The Foundation Degree has given me a rock-solid foundation. Now it’s about continuing to build on it to reach senior or specialist engineering levels.
What advice would you give to other students wanting to attend BMet? Or that are currently here?
I’d say, “Go for it!” The tutors genuinely care and the courses are built around real industry needs. Three years ago, I was a night-shift repair operative with no realistic route into engineering, but today, I’m a qualified Maintenance Engineer with distinctions, awards and a clear career ladder ahead of me.
BMet opened doors I didn’t even know existed. If you’re prepared to put in the work, it will do the same for you!
What would you say has been your favourite achievements/memories to date?
The double Distinction grades and the two college awards are things I’m extremely proud of, but the standout memory will always be the Foundation Degree award ceremony.
Having my wife and children there, watching them cheer and seeing how proud they were, meant everything! They have been with me every step of this long journey, through thick and thin and without my wife’s constant support, none of it would have been possible. They are my biggest fans and that day with them beside me is the moment I’ll never forget.
