Miroslaw Gabrys

From the shop floor to global automation — tell us about your journey.

I came to Solent through a Degree Apprenticeship while working full-time at CooperVision. I'd already built practical engineering experience, so studying alongside work meant I could apply new knowledge to real projects immediately. I joined CooperVision as a Production Operator and progressed through several engineering roles. Today, I work as a Process Automation Controls Engineer within the Global Technical Innovation Group at CooperVision, delivering automation projects worldwide.

So, what does your day-to-day actually look like?

I develop and implement automation systems for manufacturing equipment, working with PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks and production systems. My work spans everything from design reviews and testing through to commissioning and continuous improvement. No two days are identical, and that variety is exactly what keeps it interesting.

What did you love most about being a Solent student?

As a mature student and apprentice, I balanced work and family alongside study, but the supportive atmosphere made it work. Everyone genuinely helped each other, shared knowledge and celebrated successes together. The sense of community among students and lecturers was truly valued.

What made your lecturers stand out from the rest?

They were approachable and genuinely invested in students succeeding. Many had significant industry experience, so lessons never felt purely theoretical. They showed how engineering works in the real world, which made every subject far more engaging and directly relevant to what I was doing at work.

Did your degree actually prepare you for the industry?

Absolutely. Studying and working simultaneously meant I could apply university learning to real automation projects straight away. My work experience also helped me understand the theory more deeply. The two genuinely complemented each other.

What hands-on experience did you gain along the way?

The Degree Apprenticeship was the biggest practical opportunity. Throughout my degree I worked on real automation projects inside a global medical device manufacturer, covering PLC programming, HMI development, new production line support, testing, commissioning and system improvements. It was industry experience built in from day one.

What are you working on right now that excites you?

I've recently been involved in introducing new automation technologies and supporting new production lines within a highly regulated medical device environment. Every project brings fresh technical challenges, and that's exactly what keeps me motivated and constantly learning.

Is the industry everything you hoped it would be?

Even better than I expected. Automation is constantly evolving, so there's always something new to learn. It's challenging but that's precisely what makes it exciting. If you thrive on problem-solving and progress, this is the industry for you.

What's your top tip for anyone wanting to get into engineering?

Be curious, ask questions and don't fear difficult problems. Practical experience is just as valuable as academic knowledge. Take every hands-on opportunity you can. Engineering rewards effort with opportunity, so the more you put in, the more doors open.