22 May 2026
Institute of Technology
Working at Omexom, Matthew Carr has chosen to study the HNC in Engineering to help him to decide on a specialist engineering route in the near future. Here, Matthew talks to us about studying at the Institute of Technology alongside his day job.
Studying the part-time HNC in Engineering is helping me to work and study whilst I decide which area of engineering I want to specialise in.
Matthew Carr, HNC Engineering
Studying at the IoT was a strong, local option for me and the part-time option is great as I can work in the office in Stafford and study alongside my job. Best of both worlds really.
I wanted to progress my education while working as I'm keen to build the foundation skills needed for a career in the industry.
It has allowed me to progress while deciding exactly what I want to specialise in as the engineering sector is so diverse.
I had previously studied the BTEC Engineering course at Stafford College and I knew that the standards of teaching would be fantastic. So the college was always on my radar. I took at look at the website and decided this was a good option for my circumstances.
My Dad and brother work both work in trades which drew me to the construction side of things. Then, after researching different jobs, I liked the look of Civil Engineering which led me to applying for this course.
Education helps to further my reputation and show on paper that I'm qualified to be there. This gives me the credibility and confidence and projects which allows me to perform better.
Yes, I have been working on a project in Scotland called Kintore Phase 3, where over the past year, I have helped to refurbish nearly the whole substation, designing roads and drainage systems ready for the new transformers to be installed. I also worked briefly on Hornsea 2, the world's largest off-shore wind farm which was another exciting project to add to my CV.
I have spent a long time mastering many different CAD software systems which have allowed me to design lots of different things on projects.
Most of my work is theory-based. I enjoy it because it allows the practical to be done and when I go out on site, I enjoy seeing my designs being built.
We complete most of our work on computers which has been helped greatly by the magnitude of computer facilities on offer. We have also had the chance to experience a scaled down production line which showed us the ins and outs of automated systems.
I want to specialise in civil engineering, so I aim to study that part time.
Go for it! The resource available are great and there is plenty of support on offer from specialists in their field. The course has already improved my career prospects and it could do the same for you.
