Student Stories

What were you doing before enrolling in the part-time Diploma in Mechanical Engineering at PSB Academy? 

Before enrolling in the part-time mechanical engineering diploma at PSB Academy, my highest qualification was a certificate. At the time, I was working full-time in the marine engineering sector as a Mechanical Technician. My job involved carrying out dimensional inspections and precision measurements on fabricated components to make sure they met engineering drawings and tolerances. I also supported fabrication work, mechanical fit-up activities, and assisted engineers with troubleshooting during production issues. 

What made you decide it was time to upskill? 

Since my work was already closely related to engineering and mechanical systems, I realised that gaining a formal engineering education would help me better understand the systems I was working with and do my job more effectively. At work, I often had the chance to observe how engineers approached technical problems and improved processes. Seeing how their knowledge and experience came together in real situations inspired me to strengthen my own technical foundation. I have always been passionate about my career, and I felt it was the right time to deepen my engineering knowledge so I could continue growing professionally. 

Were you nervous about returning to study, and what was the biggest challenge you faced?  

Before starting the course, I was slightly nervous about balancing work and studies. Taking on a diploma while working full-time was definitely something I had to think through carefully. The biggest challenge was managing my time. After a long day at work, attending classes and keeping up with assignments required a lot of commitment and discipline. What helped me was staying focused on my goals, keeping a consistent study routine, and reminding myself why I started this journey in the first place. 

Did you receive any support during your studies?  

Yes, I was fortunate to have support from both my employer and my lecturers. My employer was supportive of my efforts to upgrade my skills and encouraged continuous learning and professional development, which motivated me to keep improving myself while working. The lecturers at PSB Academy were very supportive and knowledgeable. Their practical teaching approach made engineering concepts easier to understand and helped me see how what we learnt in class could be applied in the workplace. 

What skills did you gain from the course and how have you applied them at work?  

The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology has helped me build stronger technical knowledge at work. Through modules such as Engineering Computation and Drawing, and Mechanical Design and Engineering Applications, I developed a better understanding of engineering concepts and how they apply in practical settings. This has been useful in my daily work. For example, when carrying out dimensional inspections and precision measurements, I now have a clearer understanding of tolerances and how to interpret engineering drawings more accurately. Learning engineering drawing and SOLIDWORKS also helped me better visualise component designs and fabrication requirements. Beyond that, the course strengthened my understanding of engineering principles, mechanical systems and technical problem-solving, which has helped me approach issues at work in a more systematic way. 

Have your studies opened new opportunities, such as promotions, or new roles?  

Yes, after completing my diploma, I was promoted from Mechanical Technician to Technician In-Charge. The role gave me the opportunity to oversee daily production operations and provide greater support to my team. It also strengthened my technical knowledge and gave me more confidence in my abilities. Moving forward, I hope to continue growing in the engineering field and explore opportunities in more advanced sectors. 

Looking back, what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had at PSB Academy? 

One of the most memorable parts of my time at PSB Academy was completing challenging projects and assignments while working full-time, then celebrating that achievement with classmates who had gone through the same journey. That experience made the achievement even more meaningful and strengthened my belief in lifelong learning. It showed me that with determination and discipline, it is possible to balance work and studies successfully. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about upskilling? 

My advice to anyone thinking about upskilling is simple: don’t be afraid to take the first step. It may feel challenging at first, but it can open new opportunities and help you grow both professionally and personally.