Fred Atkins

Why did you decide to study an undergraduate course and did you have any concerns?

I'd recently started a new career in the building industry and felt that the HNC Construction Management course offered by Solent University would provide me with the best opportunity to develop new skills.

I was initially apprehensive about undertaking a new qualification following 15 years in the motor industry but Andy and the rest of the course team provided great support throughout.

What was the best thing about your course?

A particular highlight for me was the Construction Science and Materials module lead by Surya and Kenny. The combination of both theory and practical really helped my development and I took great confidence from this module. Surya provided exceptional support and training on the theory and developing my mathematical skills and applying them. Kenny was equally exceptional with his support on the practical element and offered a light-hearted approach, which really helped me take in key information and contextualise it.

Tell us about your experience as an undergraduate student

Initially the course felt heavy on the content and the amount of learning required. This was more due to the time that had passed following my previous study period. But I was able to successfully complete my course while maintaining my separate family/social life and I've made several friends from the course that I remain in regular contact with.

How did the course prepare you for your career?

In many cases I refreshed my memory on transferable skills from my previous employment as a vehicle maintenance technician and having this previous technical understanding put me in a great place. The lecturing team at Solent really promoted self-development and encouraged solo working on understanding and then demonstrating methodology. These skills have provided me with great confidence in my everyday work.

What's been your proudest career achievement so far?

I won the most improved apprentice of the year for BMW UK in motor vehicle maintenance when I was 19, which was huge. However, achieving a distinction on my HNC Construction Management course at Solent University and then being awarded HNC Student of the Year at the youthful age of 34 has given me great passion to continue my career progression.

Tell us about your current role

I'm a trainee building safety surveyor and my responsibility is to ensure that Dorset Council’s buildings remain safe, legal and compliant with the law. This covers fields such as asbestos, fire safety and legionella. I'm methodical with my approach to my work and a career in building safety has provided me the perfect place to thrive and enjoy what I do.

What advice would you give anyone looking to study this subject?

Undertaking a qualification such as this alongside working and balancing your personal life is a great challenge. There are a lot of sacrifices to be made to maximise your learning journey, but the final rewards and future opportunities that come up certainly make the sacrifices worthwhile. I was one of the older students on my course, but age should never hold you back.