Jamie MacAskill

How would you describe your overall experience in the graduate scheme? 

Overall, the Ricardo graduate scheme has had a positive impact on my early career. It has given me opportunities to apply engineering principles to a breadth of engineering disciplines and project work, where I have also gain new knowledge along the way. 

What specific skills or knowledge did you gain during the programme that you found most valuable?

Some of the most valuable knowledge I have gained is in relation to working within professional teams, while gaining practical experience working with skilled craftsmen and technicians on prototype builds. I also gained key knowledge in electrification systems enabling me to apply my mechanical engineer knowledge to electrification applications. 

Can you share a specific project or task from the graduate scheme that had a significant impact on your professional development?

I was given the opportunity to solely work on the mechanical design of dual 3-phase output SiC inverter concept, a Ricardo owned product. This was key for me to quickly develop my mechanical design skill set, owning the full design and holding all the responsibility. 

In what ways did the mentorship or guidance provided contribute to your success during the programme?

The mentorship on offer has guided me through the programme allowing me to make more informed decisions on my Departmental rotations, and ultimately where I want my engineer career to take me.
 
How would you characterise the company culture, and how did it support your growth and learning as a graduate trainee?

The company culture is full of knowledge and support, making it a great learning ground for a young engineer. 

Were there any unexpected benefits or opportunities that you encountered while participating in the graduate scheme?

Having the opportunity to do outside community work, giving talks to school students, running STEM based activities and events, and giving site tours of such a historic engineering site. 

How did the program prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of your current role?

It allows you to take on lots of responsibilities and at times dive into the deep end, however you can still rely on the experienced engineers to guide you through the process.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement from your time in the graduate scheme?

A memorable moment would be seeing the first manufactured parts I designed. It is great to be able to be given the responsibility to design something for manufacture, and as a design engineer seeing your designs in physical form is also a great feeling.

What kind of networking opportunities were available to you, and how did they enhance your professional connections?  

Having the ability to network with the world-renowned engineers that Ricardo employ, and also being able to speak to many different clients on a daily basis. 

In what ways did the graduate scheme align with your career goals, and how has it influenced your career trajectory?

It gave me the opportunity to experience a few different engineering disciplines and ultimately guide me towards taking up a role in design engineering, where I am now in a great position to work towards being professionally registered as a chartered engineer. 

What advice would give to someone considering doing the graduate scheme?

Take the opportunity, and network around the departments when you are here. Ricardo work in a lot of different market sectors where internally networking is key to find projects that excite you.