Student Spotlight - Louis Alvis
Are you considering Aviation as a career? Are you looking to study towards an EASA Aircraft Maintenance Licence? Would you like your training delivered by an organisation that has more than 90 years of experience in training aircraft maintenance personnel for the world’s airlines? The BSc (Hons) Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management is a unique course, as it is the only one of its kind in Scotland and is designed to produce graduate-calibre aircraft maintenance engineers. Hear from one of our current students, about his experience on this course 👇
What is your name, and where are you from?
Louis Alvis, from Nairobi-Kenya
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI, and what year are you currently in?
Currently studying Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Management, moving to third year.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I worked as an aircraft technician for a few years, as well as helping run an organic family farm.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
With this course I would be able to gain my aircraft maintenance license, as well as a degree, which would safeguard me career-wise. I could not find anywhere else in the world that offered this course and included the world-renowned Air Service Training.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Being taught by engineers with an immense amount of experience, as well as the practical aircraft aspect of the course.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
It was tough adjusting to studying at home, I found it extremely difficult to concentrate and grasp various engineering concepts. The lecturers did their best with what they had.
Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?
All the practical aspects of the course are memorable for me, as it’s bringing me ever closer to my dream career - as well as hearing the experiences of our lecturers and gaining life advice!
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Meeting new people with very different backgrounds to myself and becoming more independent.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
The AST hangar has a lot to offer, and I look forward to using the equipment in the engineering hangar near the Goodlyburn building. Its nice that the gym is so close, which makes it easier to use. It’s not your typical campus layout.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
Although its challenging at times, I do enjoy the course.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
I love being outdoors and activities that give me an adrenalin rush. I enjoy reading, dancing, and complaining about how cold it is 😂.
What are your plans, for after you finish your course?
Hopefully after I graduate, I will get snatched up by a good company - or I’ll be applying everywhere. I look forward to travelling the world, as I work on various aircrafts.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
This is not a typical university course, prepare yourself for a lot of studying and minimal breaks. But the reward at the end of the course will be worth it, especially if you have a passion for aircraft. Do not set any expectations of what experience you will have, but also prepare yourself to be surprised by the little things in life - because that’s what counts.
