Case study - Ros
For anyone who thought engineering was just for boys interested in bridges and boats, think again.
Ros Hart (25) is an engineer working in one of the most exciting industries in Scotland today – renewable energy.
Ros works with Pelamis Wave Power Ltd, a company which produces renewable electricity from ocean waves.
And anyone who has seen how choppy the sea is during storms in Scotland will understand how important Ros’ job is.
The young engineer from Edinburgh has to make sure the system that gathers the energy from the waves can survive the worst storms.
She explained: "The waves need to be big to give us the energy for electricity in the first place but, if it’s too stormy, there is a danger that the system will be swept away by the sea.
"My job is to design and install equipment so the system stays attached to the sea bed even in the worst conditions.
"I’m part of the whole process from beginning to end. Before we set up in a new area, we test a model of the Pelamis system in a wave tank, which is just like a large swimming pool. We create the conditions as they are in the new area to see how it copes.
"I then use a computer to design the equipment we will need. Once everything is ready, I also get to go out on the water and be involved with installing the system.
"It’s great being involved in something right from the start then seeing it all come together at the end."
Ros studied Highers in Maths and Physics and then did Mechanical Engineering at university.
With concern about global warming growing, she became interested in renewable energy and decided she wanted to be involved.
She said: "Wave power is a brand new area of engineering and every day there are new problems to solve.
"We’re working on things that have never been done before so it’s a really interesting and exciting job.
"Global warming is a big issue that only engineers can solve. It’s good to be involved in something that is making a difference and changing the world for the better. In my job, I’ve also been lucky enough to work in other countries and with lots of great people."