Student Testimonials

Testimonials from Past Students

"Doing a one year work placement at Barrus helped me develop the necessary skills I need to becoming a successful engineer. Seeing the whole process of modifying the engines from start to finish enabled me to see Barrus from all aspects when at most companies, you only see one.  

From designing components using the latest CAD software to working on and testing the engines to communicating with customers and suppliers, I learnt how important teamwork and being able to foresee any future problems that may arise is. Working with the MOD and emergency services was truly a great experience and one that I shall never forget.”

Jamie McNichol - R and D Student, 2014 and currently Sales Engineer, Special Products Division at Barrus

"My placement at Barrus gave me an insight into the workings of an engineering company with a focus on innovation, high quality products and customer satisfaction. It gave me experience in all aspects of product design, development and customer relations, which helped me develop the skills I regularly use to this day."

David Etherington-Smith - R&D Student 2005 and currently Sales Manager, Special Products Division at Barrus

"From doing a one year placement working in Research and Development at E.P. Barrus, it showed me what it’s like to work in a professional environment and how to be part of a team.

Another benefit was learning many skills that are essential for building a successful career. Such as managing several projects at once, with a flexible approach and reacting quickly to sudden changes in situations. From seeing a part which I’d designed on screen to seeing it for real on an engine is a unique reward you get from working at E.P. Barrus."

Nico Buck - R&D Student, 2014

"My year at E. P. Barrus Ltd has been a fantastic journey, where I have gained many invaluable experiences and have met some amazing, dedicated people. 

"The undergraduate placement scheme offered to me by EP Barrus provided a good grounding in the application of engineering knowledge in both product development and low-volume production environments. The degree course I was on covered a lot of theoretical and analytical topics, but there was little by way of practical ‘hand-on’ engineering work.

The 12 month placement at Barrus covered this gap, along with a host of other skills such as liaising with customers, suppliers and colleagues on a range of business and technical issues and design of components for manufacture. I believe this combination of technical knowledge and practical experience played a big part in me being offered a permanent role with the company following my graduation, which in turn has led me to a series of interesting and varied projects within the marine engine and off-highway industrial engine markets."

Dan Walton - R&D Student, 2005 and currently Application and Technical Supoort Engineer in the Industrial Division at E P Barrus

"Hello, my name is James; I started my apprenticeship in September 2006.  By March 2007, I had completed my level two in engineering and I began looking for relevant work. I had been to a couple of interviews at other companies, but I didn’t take the offers because I didn’t think I would enjoy the type of work they were offering. I came to a two day, working interview at Barrus and I immediately had a good feeling about the place. There was a friendly and almost family-like atmosphere; the work was varied and interesting. When I was offered the job, I immediately accepted.

Barrus supported me throughout my advanced apprenticeship and BTEC qualifications by allowing me to work one day a week at college. The work I was doing on the Ministry of Defence Repair Bay supported my college work effectively and gave me a good understanding of repairing engines, fault finding & diagnostic work, as well as inspecting engines. I enjoyed the work so much that I requested to stay in this department so I could further my knowledge.

Since then, I have moved into the Special Products Division and enjoyed my first role as ‘Workshop Co-ordinator’ and now my current role, ‘Outboard Technical Sales Support Engineer’. Barrus have always supported me in my learning, even since qualifying. I have completed many in-house courses, and various powerboat and water safety/ survival courses, and I am also part of an online learning program, consisting of technical and sales courses and exams for engines we distribute and support.

Barrus have always given me opportunities to develop my career and take on more responsibilities; this has always kept things challenging, interesting and enjoyable."

James Tonks - R&D Student, 2006 and worked as Outboard Technical Sales Support Engineer at E P Barrus until July 2014