Kevin scores a prize-winning double

An accident at the age of 28 forced Kevin Rush to think about a career change and a return to education. His studies have now reaped dividends, as Kevin has graduated from the University of Teesside with a BEng (Hons) degree in Mechanical Engineering, and gained a new post as an Assistant Engineer with Kvaerner Construction Ltd in Stockton. When he graduates today Kevin will also receive two prestigious academic prizes, the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Prize and the Frederick Barnes Waldron Prize of the North-East branch of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Kevin, 32, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, originally left school at 16 and trained as a welder. He worked around the country, and the age of 25 moved into civil engineering, joining a flooring company. However, a work accident resulted in a total change of direction.

Kevin said: “I smashed my arm and needed Physiotherapy. The accident was a turning point as I realised I couldn’t do manual work for the rest of my life. My girlfriend Dawn Hesk inspired me to go back to night school, and I enrolled for a GCSE refresher course in Maths. I was very nervous at first, but I became more confident and later enrolled on an HND at the University.”

The HND focused upon Computer Aided Engineering, but Kevin was more interested in Mechanical Engineering, so switched to an HND in the subject. This course gave him direct entry to the second year of the BEng degree.

Kevin said: “The degree was really hard work, I remember working on two consecutive Christmas Eves until late in the afternoon. Now I’m working I can see it’s been worth it, I have computer, communication and analytical skills.”

Good things came in three during the summer for Kevin; his son Nathaniel was born, he gained his final degree results and the new post at Kvaerner.

“My father Frank is a welder and he’s really chuffed that I’m the first in the family to graduate from University and that I’ve started a new career”, added Kevin.

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