We recently caught up with Old Boy, Oliver Thorn who will be joining IrvinGQ as a Project Engineer from 1st June, and asked him to update us on how he succeeded in achieving this role. He told us:

I think my success is due to multiple factors, combining my interests and maximising the opportunities that have been presented to me. 

During my time at BGS, I was actively involved in the CCF, culminating in my appointment as RSM. 

I studied STEM subjects for A Level and was very interested in motorsport and aviation. At University, I am in my third year of the Aerospace Engineering course but have continued my military involvement with Wales University Officers Training Corps. 

WUOTC is a student reserve unit and I have had many amazing experiences with them, these include Mountain Biking, Coasteering and Flag Bearing at the International Rugby Union at the Principality Stadium. My leadership skills were put to the test when I was appointed as Platoon Commander on a Training weekend at Sennybridge Training Area in the Brecon Beacons.

At the end of my second year, I applied for a Summer Internship at IrvinGQ and was successful in being selected. This was extended on a part time basis and during this time I was offered a full-time Project Engineer position to commence in June. 

IrvinGQ is a highly respected defence engineering company based in South Wales. My Project Engineer position will be closely linked to the Safety and Survivability business unit. Lots of my work over the past 9 months has been to do with a new parachute product that will be sold globally to customers such as the UK MoD and the Australian Defence Force. I was also involved in a parachute longevity study which is forming the basis of my dissertation.

We wish Ollie all the very best in his new role and look forward to hearing more from him in the future!