Scottish Engineering Mentoring Programme
Mentoring can inspire, support, and motivate people to realise their potential and achieve their dreams. In our careers, as in life in general, we can sometimes reach that point where we are unsure of how to progress, or maybe we are just looking for that “spark” to help move us to the next stage in our personal development. This is where mentors come in.
A mentor helps accelerate growth by providing unique perspectives, advice, and encouragement. By reflecting on their own experiences, they can help their mentee avoid the same mistakes they have made and provide the confidence and courage to explore new ideas and ways of working.
Our Mentoring Programme is open once again for new candidates looking for support in building their careers. Our inclusive programme is open to all, whether in technical/engineering roles or key support functions; whether apprentices, technicians, experienced professionals, or managers. This Programme is included through Membership, so there’s no additional cost to Member companies. All of our mentors are recently retired/semi-retired senior professionals from the engineering and manufacturing industry, and all boast a wealth of experience in professional engineering, project management, and leadership roles. The Mentors work on a volunteer basis and are extremely passionate about transferring their knowledge and experience to the next generation of professionals.
Meet Our Mentors
David has extensive experience in the energy sector and retired in early 2016 with more than half of his 32-year career in renewable energy. His career was wide and varied and involved the development and management of multiskilled teams. He has held leadership and management positions with Scottish Power (Iberdrola), Weirs, Sgurr Energy and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. His expertise covers engineering, compliance, Health and Safety, O&M, M&A and the development and delivery of large-scale energy projects. From 2012 to 2016 he ran his own energy renewable energy. He is married and enjoys golf, walking, travel and cuisine. ...
David Arnold
David has extensive experience in the energy sector and retired in early 2016 with more than half of his 32-year career in renewable energy. His career was wide and varied and involved the development and management of multiskilled teams. He has held leadership and management positions with Scottish Power (Iberdrola), Weirs, Sgurr Energy and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. His expertise covers engineering, compliance, Health and Safety, O&M, M&A and the development and delivery of large-scale energy projects. From 2012 to 2016 he ran his own energy renewable energy. He is married and enjoys golf, walking, travel and cuisine.
harlie brings extensive international senior executive experience across major industrial sectors with a primary focus on Aerospace and Defense. Charlie has a MBA from the University of the West of Scotland and has been leading, and restructuring businesses in the Aerospace & Defence sector for over 43 years through a variety of senior leadership roles with, among others, Airbus, BAE Systems, Goodrich / UTC, GKN and Esterline Technologies. Most recently Charlie served as CEO of a technology start-up engaged in developing a wireless Li-ion BMS and before that as President of Esterline’s Advanced Sensors business with manufacturing and aftermarket service facilities in France, UK, Asia, USA, and Mexico. Charlie’s experience ranges from Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, General Management, Program Management, Business and Product Development, Commercial / Contracts, Aftermarket Spares & MRO, and Lean / Continuous Improvement. Since 2018, Charlie has been supporting the Aerospace & Defence sector in an advisory capacity. ...
Charlie Johnston
harlie brings extensive international senior executive experience across major industrial sectors with a primary focus on Aerospace and Defense. Charlie has a MBA from the University of the West of Scotland and has been leading, and restructuring businesses in the Aerospace & Defence sector for over 43 years through a variety of senior leadership roles with, among others, Airbus, BAE Systems, Goodrich / UTC, GKN and Esterline Technologies. Most recently Charlie served as CEO of a technology start-up engaged in developing a wireless Li-ion BMS and before that as President of Esterline’s Advanced Sensors business with manufacturing and aftermarket service facilities in France, UK, Asia, USA, and Mexico. Charlie’s experience ranges from Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, General Management, Program Management, Business and Product Development, Commercial / Contracts, Aftermarket Spares & MRO, and Lean / Continuous Improvement. Since 2018, Charlie has been supporting the Aerospace & Defence sector in an advisory capacity.
Ronnie was born in 1965 and grew up in Stirling. Qualified with a degree from Napier University (Edinburgh) in Energy Engineering. Over 35 years has worked for large multinational companies and also privately owned SMEs. He worked in engineering design, manufacturing, project management, change management, company start up and ownership. He has travelled all over the world with work including time in China, Brazil, Congo, Eastern Europe, USA etc. In 2006 he started up, what has developed into, an SME bespoke manufacturing company Q-Mass Ltd. with a colleague and is still an active director and shareholder. Recreational interests include music, sport, malt whisky in no specific order! ...
Ronnie Robertson
Ronnie was born in 1965 and grew up in Stirling. Qualified with a degree from Napier University (Edinburgh) in Energy Engineering. Over 35 years has worked for large multinational companies and also privately owned SMEs. He worked in engineering design, manufacturing, project management, change management, company start up and ownership. He has travelled all over the world with work including time in China, Brazil, Congo, Eastern Europe, USA etc. In 2006 he started up, what has developed into, an SME bespoke manufacturing company Q-Mass Ltd. with a colleague and is still an active director and shareholder. Recreational interests include music, sport, malt whisky in no specific order!
