Graduate of the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering programme, Thomas Blanche from Kilkenny, has used his experience at SETU to excel in his career as Junior Design Engineer at Noreside Engineering Group.
Right choice
Past pupil of Castlecomer Community School, Kilkenny, Thomas chose to Study the BEng (Hons) in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at SETU in Waterford. “I chose this course because I had a strong interest for all things mechanical. From an early age I was always tinkering with something, hence when it was time, I went to the SETU Open Day and found out they offered both Mechanical and Manufacturing. I knew it was the course I wanted I study,” Thomas explained.
Close from the get-go
Thomas valued the connections he made with his classmates during his time at SETU. “My mentors and peers really stood out throughout my studies. Since my course consisted of a small group of students, we became close from the get-go, and supported one another through challenges and shared knowledge that helped us all progress,” Thomas commented.
Satisfaction
Discussing his highlights of his time at SETU, Thomas mentioned: “Trying to narrow down a highlight is tricky, but for sure walking across the stage to collect my degree during my graduation was a surreal feeling I will never forget.”
“Similarly, another great moment was when I presented my thesis to the examiners, and the engineering department. It gave me great satisfaction to showcase my hard work,” Thomas continued.
Outside the classroom
Thomas made the most of his time at SETU: “Throughout the years I joined various sports clubs and societies. I really feel they helped me connect with others with similar interests while also being a great way to take a break from the coursework. The Engineering Society organised factory tours and took us to Munich to see automotive plants such as Audi, BMW and MAN Trucks which I enjoyed,” Thomas said.
Internship
Work experience played a huge role in Thomas’ experience: “In third year I had the pleasure of working as an intern in Bausch + Lomb for a semester. Working within the Area 9 process engineering team, I gained hands-on experience with automated systems, maintenance coordination, and problem-solving, which gave me a much deeper appreciation for real-world engineering applications. The experience proved invaluable, giving me the drive and motivation to push forward and successfully achieve my degree.”
Advice for students
Thomas offered his advice to those in first year of the programme: “Focus on understanding, not memorising. Early course work can feel abstract, but key fundamentals will come back again and again. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help. Stay curious, explore areas that interest you.”
Plans for the future
Thomas continues to excel in his career: “Going forward, I hope to develop my skills and knowledge further, particularly in the field of mechanical design. Working with Noreside Engineering Group has strengthened my ambition to progress in this area, and I aim to continue building a career where I can contribute further to innovative projects.”
