An Aberdeenshire woman is advancing her career in the oil and gas industry after receiving an HNC in electrical engineering yesterday.
Melissa Massie, from Newtonhill, has been working in the industry since leaving Portlethen Academy after her fifth year.
When the 19-year-old asked employer PMAC Inspection about attending college to further her knowledge and develop her prospects, the company was very supportive.
Miss Massie has been able to continue working full-time as a cathodic protection technician alongside her studies.
She said: “I decided to study at North East Scotland College because they could provide a good opportunity to further my knowledge in electrical engineering.
“Being the only girl is a bit scary at first because obviously being at school you’re used to having other girls in your class, but after a couple of weeks it’s fine, you just get on with it.
“The Altens campus was a really convenient location for me and because the course is offered part-time it meant I was still able to work full-time in my current job and gain more experience in the oil and gas industry.
“The course itself helped me gain a better understanding of all aspects of my job and I hope to use my qualification to further my career in oil and gas.”