Episode 14 - Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Skills with Stewart McKinlay

Episode 14 - Shaping the Future of Manufacturing Skills with Stewart McKinlay

In Episode 14 of The Industry Wave, we’re joined by Stewart McKinlay, Skills Director for the Manufacturing Skills Academy at the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS), and a well known and hugely respected voice in Scotland's engineering skills landscape.  Stewart has gained that recognition for many reasons, but his passionate advocacy for widening access to engineering, education, and opportunity is a major part of that. As the first person in his family to attend university, Stewart reflects on the varied experiences that shaped his ambitions—from growing up in Cumbernauld to studying Manufacturing Sciences and Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He shares how those early experiences influenced a career dedicated to helping others access the opportunities that transformed his own life. This episode explores Stewart’s work championing inclusive pathways into engineering and manufacturing, and discusses the importance of creating a sector that welcomes talent from every background, the value of apprenticeships, and why understanding Scotland’s engineering skills needs is critical to the country’s future success. To have opportunity, we must have demand, and Stewart makes a very straightforward call to action on why it's so important for engineering and manufacturing companies across Scotland complete the updated Engineering Skills Survey - a survey that he along with others helped design and champion. All of our podcast guests have shared some surprises from their past, and Stewart is no different.  Have a listen to find out the film he appeared in that IMDB described as "a sun-drenched, deadpan, masterpiece of Scottish cinema....".

Episode 13 - Creating a Generation of Engineers: One Classroom at a Time with Susan Scurlock

In Episode 13 of The Industry Wave, we’re joined by Susan Scurlock MBE, founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer—one of the UK’s most influential voices in engineering education and inspiration. From a childhood shaped by curiosity and constraint, to building a nationwide movement that’s reached hundreds of thousands of young people, Susan shares the deeply personal story behind Primary Engineer. Her journey spans early barriers to pursuing engineering, a decade of life and creativity in Spain, and a return to education that ultimately sparked a mission: to ensure every child sees themselves as capable of becoming an engineer. This episode explores the power of inclusive, whole-class engagement, the importance of challenging assumptions, and the real-world impact of inspiring belief in young people—especially those who might otherwise be overlooked. Susan also reflects on the growing gap between interest in engineering careers and access to opportunities, and what needs to change to truly support the next generation. Insightful, honest, and full of purpose, this conversation highlights how one idea—done right—can ripple across classrooms, communities, and careers.

Episdoe 12 - Young Engineer of the Year: The Innovation Behind the Award with Zak Thomson

In Episode 12 of The Industry Wave, we celebrate a major milestone—one year of the podcast—by sitting down with rising engineering talent Zak Thomson, Scottish Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year 2025 and design engineer at Emtelle.  Recorded in the Scottish Borders, Zak shares his journey from a hands-on, uncertain school leaver to an award-winning innovator shaping global telecom solutions. Through the apprenticeship route, he built practical skills and a problem-solving mindset that led him to tackle a real-world customer challenge—developing a groundbreaking, low-cost method for installing fibre optic cable without the need for bulky ancillary equipment.  This episode dives into the story behind that innovation: from relentless testing and unexpected breakthroughs to the creation of a simple yet powerful device now driving global impact. Zak also reflects on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and stepping outside your comfort zone—along with the value of trust, teamwork, and leadership early in a career.  Whether you're an aspiring engineer, industry professional, or simply curious about how ideas turn into real-world solutions, this episode offers an inspiring look at modern engineering in action.

Episode 11 - Building Confidence Through Apprenticeships with Nairn Moffat

In this episode of The Industry Wave, we’re delighted to welcome Nairn Moffat, Design & Manufacturing Engineer at Toshima and Scottish Engineering’s Graduate Apprentice of the Year 2025.   From discovering a passion for hands-on problem solving to forging his path through a Foundation and Graduate Apprenticeship with Glasgow Caledonian University, Nairn shares how work-based learning shaped his confidence and career.   We dive into the award-winning subsea desalination project that captured our judges’ attention (a complex 16-tonne pump module designed to operate 600 metres below sea level for eight years without maintenance.) Nairn speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, learning through feedback, technical challenges, and the responsibility that comes with seeing your name on the drawing — alongside the project’s potential to reduce energy use in offshore operations.   Join us as we explore the power of apprenticeships, supportive workplace cultures, and learning by doing — and why asking questions, choosing the right environment, and taking ownership remain key lessons for the next stage of Nairn’s engineering career.

Episode 10 - From Chemical Engineer to Champion for Change with Jennifer MacDonald

In episode 10 of The Industry Wave, we sit down with Scottish Engineering’s newest colleague, Jennifer MacDonald, as she reflects on a career that began with a simple question asked at age 15 and evolved into a global engineering and inclusion journey. From growing up on the west coast of Scotland to studying chemical engineering at Heriot-Watt University, Jennifer shares how early curiosity, real-world exposure, and supportive mentors shaped her path into engineering. From offshore platforms in Newfoundland and the North Sea to national roles with NMIS, the Royal Society, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, Jennifer reflects on the realities of working in highly technical, male-dominated environments and how those experiences sparked her passion for diversity, inclusion, and visibility across the sector. Join us as we explore the power of asking the question, building connection, and creating welcoming engineering cultures — and hear why Jennifer believes Scotland’s engineering and manufacturing community is uniquely placed to support the next generation of talent.