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The Panasonic Trust Fellowships
Jonathan Pearson – MSc in Civil Engineering, Nottingham
Trent University
 My
engineering education started in the late 1990s when I was supported through
my Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering by my employer, Norfolk
County Council. In 2006 after being awarded Incorporated Engineer status, I
began looking at options for furthering my engineering and professional
qualifications. I was working as a Highway Engineer for the County Council
and Heads of Service approved a part-time Masters course in Civil
Engineering at Nottingham Trent University. I started the course in October
2006 and finally completing my dissertation in September 2008. The Panasonic
Trust Award provided 50% of the course fees which my employer matched.
Studying part time was ideal as I was able to develop
academically and stay in full time employment. The course consisted of nine
modules and a dissertation; each module ran over four days, mostly at
weekends, and involved lectures, seminars, coursework and several
examinations. About half of the work was technical and half administrative,
providing a holistic base over a wide subject area. My dissertation
investigated the relationships between highway maintenance budgets,
treatment options and customer satisfaction. The whole process of carrying
out a research project of this size was extremely satisfying and culminated
in a presentation in front of a panel comprising of academics and my
employer.
It has been a real challenge to balance study with
work. In addition during the second year when my efforts were significantly
focussed on my dissertation, I had to factor fatherhood into the equation
following the birth of our first child. Without the support of my wife I
would never had been able to focus on meeting the completion deadlines I had
set myself. I have been extremely fortunate to have had a number of exciting
opportunities since graduating: I was sponsored by my employer and selected
to join a team on a Rotary International Group Study Exchange to the
Philippines in February 2009. Spending four weeks in Manila, I was involved
in a number of voluntary, cultural and vocational activities. On returning
in March 2009 I successfully applied for a temporary six month role as
Programme and Budget Engineer with Norfolk County Council. In September 2009
I left Norfolk following a successful application for a promotion to join
neighboring Lincolnshire County Council where I am currently an Area
Highways Manager. This year I was successful in becoming a Chartered
Engineer. The Masters qualification has given me the academic base to apply
for review through the Standard Engineering Council route. I am now involved
both locally and nationally with the Institute of Highway Engineers, as
Eastern Branch Secretary and as a member of the National Council.
I have been very fortunate to have been
supported by my employers and the Panasonic Trust. I am
wholeheartedly grateful to the Academy for funding me.
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