David Lovelady

"The University of Manchester was voted ‘University of the Year' in the Times HES awards in 2005 and by the Sunday Times in 2006.   I joined the universities Electrical and Electronic Engineering department firstly because of its world renowned reputation and secondly because of its excellent links with industry.

As an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician with seven years experience prior to University some said why go to University, however I knew their was so much more to learn and was thirsty for more knowledge.  From reading information on the Universities Electrical and Electronic Engineering course and a visit to the department I knew this course would quench my thirst, at least for now.

Right from the first week of the course (after fresher’s week) the information starts flowing, in the form of lectures, laboratory sessions,  tutorials etc.  Although it sounds strange I found the lectures exciting, receiving information on the latest technologies and research (level 5 for research) from an often eccentric and enthusiastic lecturer was something I had never experienced before during my college years. 

Once I reached the third and final year all students are to undertake an individual final project.  My project was to design and build a prototype electronic device to record the attendance of seminars etc using a ‘C’ language programmed microcontroller, a magnetic card reader and other peripheral devices.  It was at this point that I realized just how much I had learnt and absorbed over the three years, which still amazes me to this day.

In the first semester of the second year I applied for the Power Academy linked to the IET.  This offered a sponsorship of £2000 per year of study plus paid tuition fees in return for a paid summer placement between each year of study.  I was offered sponsorship with  Siemens TDL (Transmission and Distribution) based in Manchester and completed a summer placement in 2006.  Upon completion of my course I was offered a place on their accredited 18 month Graduate Scheme, which I am due to complete at the end of 2008.  During the Graduate Scheme I have travelled to Germany and around the UK working on exciting HV substation projects putting my skills and technical knowledge leant at University into practice."