A FORMER college student – who works on projects in support of the Royal Navy – has told the current STEM cohort that they will play a vital role in the UK’s future.

Duncan Cathie, who studied A-Levels at Priestley College in Latchford, is now on Babcock International’s Graduate Project Management Scheme and is based at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth.

In a zoom talk to Priestley’s science, technology, engineering and maths students, the former Golborne High School pupil said there was huge demand for people in their areas of study.

“At a time when there are major infrastructure programmes under way at sites like Devonport and a growing drive for a greener economy, STEM knowledge is going to be incredibly important to meet the challenges we face,” he said.

After completing his A-Levels at Priestley, and spending two years as a student intern at the college, Duncan studied international politics and security at the University of Salford, finishing with a 2:1.

For the next two years at Babcock he will transfer every three to six months, working in different areas of the business as he aims to secure his project management chartership.

In his talk to the students at Priestley, which is a STEM-assured college meaning its provision in these areas is among the top 10 per cent in the country, he shared his tips for succeeding after education.

“Most businesses find it challenging to recruit into STEM posts, which means there are lots of opportunities out there for anyone pursuing careers in these areas,” said Duncan.

“STEM continues to power growth right across the globe and there has never been a better time to embark on careers in this field.”