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
Stuart graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University and retired in 2019 after a 35+ year career, holding a variety of technical and managerial positions across a diverse range of industry sectors including Construction, Life Sciences and Nuclear Defence, the final 11 years as a Director of Babcock Marine (Clyde) Limited, the Ministry of Defence/Royal Navy Tier 1 Industrial Partner at HMNB (Clyde), Faslane, at which the UK submarine fleet and strategic deterrent are based and maintained. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE). Stuart's other responsibilities have included membership of several industry groups including the Scottish Engineering Executive Committee, the Skills Development Scotland Engineering Skills Leadership Group and the Developing Young Workforce Regional Board for Argyll & Bute. He is an active member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers as a Professional Review Interview Facilitator, also serving on their Qualifications & Membership Audit Committee. He is a Mentor for the Engineering Development Trust and a STEM Ambassador. He has served for over 10 years as a Trustee of the veterans’ charity, Erskine Hospital and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2021. ...
Stuart Aitkenhead
Stuart graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University and retired in 2019 after a 35+ year career, holding a variety of technical and managerial positions across a diverse range of industry sectors including Construction, Life Sciences and Nuclear Defence, the final 11 years as a Director of Babcock Marine (Clyde) Limited, the Ministry of Defence/Royal Navy Tier 1 Industrial Partner at HMNB (Clyde), Faslane, at which the UK submarine fleet and strategic deterrent are based and maintained. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (FIMechE). Stuart’s other responsibilities have included membership of several industry groups including the Scottish Engineering Executive Committee, the Skills Development Scotland Engineering Skills Leadership Group and the Developing Young Workforce Regional Board for Argyll & Bute. He is an active member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers as a Professional Review Interview Facilitator, also serving on their Qualifications & Membership Audit Committee. He is a Mentor for the Engineering Development Trust and a STEM Ambassador. He has served for over 10 years as a Trustee of the veterans’ charity, Erskine Hospital and was appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2021.
Graduating in 1984, BSc (Hons), Paul joined APV and throughout a 37-year career within this group, Paul held various positions, both abroad and in the UK, with responsibilities in Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Project Management, Procurement, Finance, General Management and Sales & Acquisitions, culminating in his appointment to the Board of Directors, holding the position of Managing Director for 22 years. Paul is married with a son (24) & daughter (22) and in retirement he invigilates, volunteers for CHSS and enjoys long walks on beaches, crafting artwork from the shells & driftwood he collects along the way. ...
Paul Noble
Graduating in 1984, BSc (Hons), Paul joined APV and throughout a 37-year career within this group, Paul held various positions, both abroad and in the UK, with responsibilities in Engineering, Sales & Marketing, Project Management, Procurement, Finance, General Management and Sales & Acquisitions, culminating in his appointment to the Board of Directors, holding the position of Managing Director for 22 years. Paul is married with a son (24) & daughter (22) and in retirement he invigilates, volunteers for CHSS and enjoys long walks on beaches, crafting artwork from the shells & driftwood he collects along the way.
Iain has extensive international experience from having lived in the Far East, Middle East, USA & Europe with over 40+ years working in the Aviation, Marine & Nuclear sectors. He has held management and leadership roles with international organizations including Rolls-Royce, Emirates Airlines and Doosan Babcock. His work experience includes roles in Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain Management, Program Management, Operations, Business Development, Aftermarket and Services. He was born in Johnstone, Scotland. He is married with two grown-up daughters and lives in Largs, Scotland. His interests are golf, offshore rowing, walking and lifelong season ticket holder at Saint Mirren Football Club....
Iain McGachie
Iain has extensive international experience from having lived in the Far East, Middle East, USA & Europe with over 40+ years working in the Aviation, Marine & Nuclear sectors. He has held management and leadership roles with international organizations including Rolls-Royce, Emirates Airlines and Doosan Babcock. His work experience includes roles in Engineering, Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain Management, Program Management, Operations, Business Development, Aftermarket and Services. He was born in Johnstone, Scotland. He is married with two grown-up daughters and lives in Largs, Scotland. His interests are golf, offshore rowing, walking and lifelong season ticket holder at Saint Mirren Football Club.
