A GRADUATE from Helensburgh has been awarded the Glasgow University Engineers’ Society Medal and Prize.

Jonathan Marmont, 23, recently graduated with a first class honours in a MEng Aeronautical Engineering Degree.

Jonathan attended Lomond Secondary School before heading off to Glasgow University. He is now about to start a job in Southampton working for NATS, global leaders in air traffic control services.

The Glasgow University Engineers’ Society Award Medal and Prize is given to the most distinguished engineering graduate most likely to make a notable contribution to the engineering profession and to the wellbeing of his/her country, who have a First Class Honours of the year in terms of academic record and achievement and having regard to personal qualities.

Jonathan’s interest in aviation started when he was about 10 years old after he saw the Red Arrows perform at an air show.

Jonathan said: “I had hoped to join the military as a pilot but thought it wise to go to university as a back-up plan.

“Glasgow University is the only Scottish university that offered a dedicated Aeronautical Engineering degree in addition to having an excellent record for teaching and research and an amazing campus, so I applied,” he added.

The course that Jonathan successfully applied for was a five-year course, but he took a year out to do a placement with NATS between his fourth and fifth year.

Jonathan added: “My year industrial placement with NATS was to help me gain a better breadth and depth of knowledge of engineering, project management and business practices.”

After a total of six years between starting university and graduating the day finally came when all the work had paid off and he received a first class honours degree.