Peter Kingsland MEng Ship Science (yacht and small craft)

Graduate Naval Architect; DML Group, Devonport Plymouth

Hi, I'm Peter Kingsland and I studied MEng Ship Science (yacht and small craft) within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

Always study something you enjoy but consider carefully your job prospects at the end of it, and whether those jobs are ones you'd like to do. Don't take easy options, the harder you work the greater the rewards. Keep your options open, engineering is fantastic for that!

What do you do?

We're moved around the company so we gain experience on a variety of projects in many different areas; project/production management, facilities engineering, design, nuclear safety for example. After this we'll take on a position of responsibility in one of the business streams. Currently I'm working in production on submarines where I help plan the day-to-day work onboard ensuring activities interface and deadlines are met. I will be moving to the design team for our new 96m super yacht for my next placement.

What's the best part of your job?

Having the flexibility to work on such a wide variety of interesting projects within one place, everything from nuclear safety to super yacht design via advanced composites and refit work. Also nice to be out of work by four and on the beach 20 minutes later!

Why did you go into this career?

Like many ship scientists I came from a sailing background and found this degree an ideal opportunity to combine my love of boats with my desire to be an engineer.

What is your education/experience:

Up to age of 16: I obtained 11 GCSE's at Plymstock School in Plymouth, and completed my work experience at a local marine engineering company, which I really enjoyed and got me interested in design.; After 16: I obtained four A levels in maths, physics and chemistry and biology (all at Grade A). I also had the honour of being Head Boy in my final year. I then went to University where I studied for a MEng (Hons) Degree in Ship Science at the University of Southampton. I was fortunate enough to gain the Royal Academy of Engineering Leadership Award, which enabled me to travel to Scotland, Russia, the Arctic and the Caribbean during my time at uni as part of my studies and further development. I also worked as a Technical Draftsman and Designer for VT Halmatic in my holidays.

Any advice on getting the first job?

I wanted to join a structured graduate program as this is one of the most direct routes to chartered status, I therefore applied to several schemes with the major players in the maritime sector. All the interview processes were similarly difficult but thanks to the range of experience ship science and my other activities had given me I had plenty to talk about. I selected DML as its location is ideal for my lifestyle with many beaches and the moors close at hand!

What is your advice to potential students?

What are your hobbies?

While my first love was always sailing I now spend much of my free time kitesurfing on the many lovely beaches in the south west, I still race yachts and hope to get a dinghy for the summer. I also enjoy swimming, diving, cycling, snowboarding and socialising.