Profiles

Mr Ian Garrett is an Electrical Technician within the School of Engineering at the University of Durham, where he has been a staff member for almost 25 years.

He has been involved in the running of Headstart courses at Durham University for over 10 Years. He is an enthusiastic supporter of Headstart courses and takes a hands-on role in the events during the weeks programme. His involvement includes the setting up and supervision of the experiments and project work, organising and assisting with the evening events and activities, and generally helping to ensure that the course runs smoothly.

Ian is always busy, as he is the only Electrical Technician within the School of Engineering. The Department's annual intake of students is on average 120, so with degree courses spanning over 4 years, and with the needs of academic staff, research associates and post graduates he is always in demand.

Ian's main day to day roles within the School of Engineering include:

• Setting up demonstrations in the Laboratories
• Assisting students with laboratory based activities and project work
• Design and repair the department's vast stock of support equipment
• Ensuring that the Departments Laboratories are a safe environment or staff and students to work
• Departments First Aid Representative

Over the years, Ian has witnessed many Headstart students who have attended the Durham University Headstart Course, then go on to choose to read their technology based or engineering degree at the University. He is in a unique position at the University, in that he gets to see the progress of the student from Headstart right through to Graduation.

Ian is keen to stress that "Headstart can help a student to make an informed decision about which degree course to choose and ultimately, the career that this will lead them into". He says "Even if a student decides that a technology based or engineering degree is not for them, then the course is not waste of time, but instead as an important learn. As in the longer term the student will not make, what ultimately, could have been a costly mistake".

Ian is seen by staff and students as an endless source of information, not only due to his many years of experience in his field, but also due to his in-depth knowledge about the Durham University Campus.

Ian takes an active sporting role within the department, as he is a skilled member of their 5-a-side football team. Outside of his work at Durham University, Ian is a loyal Sunderland
Football Club supporter.