Investing in the next generation of engineering talent
Since 2012, student placements have been a core part of how Marine Technical Limits (MTL) has grown and evolved. What began as a local initiative has developed into a structured programme supporting students from universities in Scotland and internationally.
From day one, students are introduced to real-world technical challenges, embedded within engineering teams and contributing to live projects while developing core skills across areas such as structural integrity, CAD modelling and inspection planning.
Over time, the programme has evolved into a genuinely two-way process by giving students early exposure to the demands of offshore engineering, while also allowing the business to understand how they think, work and develop in a practical environment.
“Bringing students into the business isn’t just about additional resource — it’s about investing in the next generation of Naval Architects and Engineers.”
— Matthew Lewin, Technical Director, MTL
The programme has also expanded to include international collaborations, notably with Memorial University of Newfoundland, creating a pathway for students to gain valuable global industry experience. Many of those who have completed placements have gone on to join MTL permanently which underlines the strength of the experience on both sides.
The presence of students continues to play an important role in shaping the business. Each cohort brings fresh perspective, curiosity and energy, contributing to an environment that is open, collaborative and continuously developing.
Our 2026 placement students
Each year, we welcome a new cohort of students to our Kintore headquarters. Working alongside our teams, they gain hands-on experience across active projects, building confidence, technical capability and a deeper understanding of the industry.
Beyond technical development, placements at MTL are about integration in that students become part of the team, contributing to real work, and experiencing the pace and responsibility of day-to-day engineering practice.
In the first week of July 2026 we will be hearing again from Irina Bran (see below) in more detail about the conclusion of her student placement at MTL.
Finally, let’s hear a little from each of our current students:
Ryan Lawrence
I am a student at the University of Strathclyde studying naval architecture and marine engineering, having just finished my 3rd year. My degree has opened me up to a wide range of experiences and knowledge. One such opportunity has been my internship at MTL.
During my time on placement here, I have had the opportunity to work alongside skilled naval architects and contribute to a variety of engineering tasks, particularly in CAD and the interpretation of ship drawings. Seeing how my university education can be applied in practice, and speaking to experienced professionals who have followed similar career paths, has reinforced my interest in pursuing a career within the marine sector.
Jamie Ferries
I’m currently studying Software Engineering at the University of Glasgow and about to go into my second year. I had the opportunity to undertake a placement at MTL last year, which I really enjoyed and learned a lot from. Because of that experience, I’m looking forward to building on what I learned before and picking up new skills along the way, particularly those that will support a future career in software development.
What I like about working at MTL is that it’s much more hands-on than university, and it gives me a chance to see how things actually work in a real business, not just in theory. I think this experience will be really valuable for my future, both in terms of building my confidence and helping me better understand how my studies apply in a working environment.
Irina Bran
I am currently in my penultimate year at CentraleSupélec, a French generalist engineering school, and will graduate next year with a specialisation in energy efficiency.
As part of my degree, I was required to complete an international placement. I joined Marine Technical Limits (MTL) to explore my interests in structural integrity and energy systems while gaining practical experience.
During my placement, I supported the naval architecture team by reviewing and updating ship drawings and 3D models to ensure their accuracy, as well as contributing to technical documentation and reports related to MTL’s Structural Integrity Management activity.
Aidan Thomson
As part of my placement at MTL, I produce and update 2D drawings, maintain 3D models in Rhino3D, and support equipment preparation, certification, goods‑out tasks, and container packing. I also check documentation for QA/QC compliance, keep organised records, and work closely with engineering and project teams.
I’ve completed my first year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, gaining skills in materials, mechanics, electronics, maths, and SolidWorks, and I’m active in the SPE and Engineering Society. I plan to complete an MEng and pursue a career in the energy sector, focusing on upstream drilling and well engineering.