During the summer break, the Project Engineering Department at Alvance British Aluminium have warmly welcomed two talented summer placement students, Logan MacKenzie and Harris Lovatt.

Logan is a third-year Electronic and Electrical student at the University of Strathclyde, enjoying his second placement with us.

Harris will be starting his first year to study for an MEng Electrical and Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Edinburgh, after the summer holidays.

These ambitious students independently applied for their positions and were rewarded with fully paid placements. Throughout their time with us, we will be sharing glimpses into their experiences. Stay tuned!

Let’s start with Logan Mackenzie:

When asked about what inspired him to choose this placement here again, Logan shared, “I was drawn here for several reasons. First, the opportunity to work in my hometown, Fort William, was a significant factor. The company’s strong presence in our local economy and its rich heritage in the area where I grew up were also compelling. Moreover, Alvance British Aluminium’s commitment to sustainability, being powered by clean energy, not only resonates with my passion for sustainable engineering but also with my personal values.” These were his own words honestly!

During his time at Alvance British Aluminium, Logan has been involved in a range of exciting projects, including the Alpsys V15 switchover, SCADA design, and drafting a Scope of Works for the OES metal analyser replacements. Talk about hands-on experience!

When asked about the experiences that will benefit him when he returns to university, Logan said, “Working at Alvance British Aluminium has been incredibly rewarding due to the company’s commitment to sustainability and its significant role in the local community. The variety of different tasks daily and the supportive and innovative work environment have allowed me to develop practical skills and gain insights into real-world engineering challenges. One experience that stands out is when I was creating my first SCADA; I was given personal mentoring as well as access to excellent resources to further my knowledge. This will significantly benefit me when I return to university by providing a solid foundation in systems control and automation, which are crucial areas in my field of study.”

When asked about the advice he would give to fellow students about to embark on their own work placements, Logan shared, “Stay curious and proactive. Be bold, ask questions, and take on new challenges, as these experiences are invaluable for your professional growth. A standout moment for me was creating a Scope of Works for the two OES metal analyser replacements on site and seeing the quotes coming back in. This experience made me feel particularly proud of my contributions to the project. It not only boosted my confidence but also reinforced my passion for engineering, showing me the tangible impact of my work.”

Reflecting on his overall experience, Logan shared, “My time here has been an enriching experience that has solidified my career aspirations in engineering. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and skills I have gained and look forward to applying them in my future studies and career.”

Thank you to Logan for your enthusiasm and fresh perspectives – best wishes for your next term of studies!

The Alpsys Team

Harris & Logan enjoying our Family Fun Day

Many people ask us about routes into engineering, there are so many opportunities and pathways via college, university or apprenticeships – there really is #NoWrongPath as demonstrated below.

If you are reading this and would like more information on our careers – then please contact us on lochabercareers@alvancegroup.com

Stay tuned for more updates.