Andrius has had an incredible journey – from Lithuania to Aberdeen and now travelling the world as an ROV Pilot.

When Andrius Chomcenka (38) moved from Lithuania to Scotland in 2010, he couldn’t speak any English. He initially found employment in laundry and delivery work.

He said, “Step by step, I built up my skills, learned the language and eventually worked my way into the mechanical engineering industry.”

After several years of working in engineering, Andrius enrolled at NESCol to further develop his skills.

He said, “I chose NESCol because it offered solid engineering courses, which were flexible enough to combine with full-time and part-time work. The College also has a good reputation locally.

“Returning to education later in life while I was working gave me a different perspective and more motivation to succeed.”

Studying Engineering

Andrius first studied Performing Engineering Operations: Mechanical Route, before progressing to NC Mechanical Engineering in 2016.

He then undertook HNC and HND Mechanical Engineering, which he studied part-time while working as a Hydraulics Technician.

From the teaching to the course content and facilities, Andrius enjoyed every aspect of his time at NESCol.

He said, “The lecturers were genuinely the best I’ve met. They weren’t just teaching; they knew how to deliver the subjects in a way that made me want to learn.

“The structure of the courses made it easy to build knowledge, and the facilities were excellent, from the workshop where I got hands-on experience, to the library where I could dig deeper into any subject. It felt like the whole environment pushed me to grow, not just as a student, but as a person.”

“Whether you’re coming straight from school or returning later like me, NESCol opens doors. It wasn’t just a place to get qualifications, it was a place that gave me confidence, new skills, and opportunities I couldn’t have imagined when I first arrived in Scotland with no English.

“It really can be a launchpad for whatever path you want to take.”

The NESCol community

Andrius thrived during his studies, and one of the key factors for his success was the support he received from his peers and the College.

He said, “The support at NESCol was outstanding. The College helped me with financial support, such as applying for bursaries when I needed it most. This took a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus fully on my learning.

“On top of that, there was always social support – people I could turn to when things got difficult and who always made me feel like I wasn’t on my own in this journey. I really enjoyed the social side of College: making new connections, sharing struggles with classmates and yes, even learning maths, a subject I used to dislike!

“The lecturers also went above and beyond, offering extra help outside of class whenever I was struggling or just needed a push in the right direction.”

“There were moments when I was living a full student life, and other times I was studying so hard I felt like I was doing questions in my dreams. Looking back, it was tough, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

“Altogether, the support system at NESCol gave me the confidence to keep going and enjoy the challenge.”

ROV pilot career

In Andrius’ final year at NESCol, Covid hit, and like many others, he was unfortunately made redundant from his job just before sitting his final exams. However, things turned around quickly when he graduated.

He said, “I applied for an ROV trainee position with Oceaneering, and to my surprise, I was offered the job instantly! I also had interesting offers in the aerospace industry but chose the offshore route to explore the oceans and seas – and I’ve never looked back.”

Andrius has been working for four years with Oceaneering and has taken every opportunity to develop his skills.

He said, “The best thing about my career is the growth it has given me. I started as a trainee and have moved through the ranks and am now a Senior ROV Pilot Technician.

“I can see a clear path forward with so many opportunities ahead. It is a well-paid job, which means I can enjoy a good quality of life, but it’s more than just the money – it’s the lifestyle. I get to travel around the world, working in places most people will never see, and no two days are the same.

“One day, I am piloting high-tech equipment a thousand meters underwater, the next, I’m solving technical problems with the team. There’s never a dull moment, and that excitement keeps me motivated and disciplined.”

Andrius has big aspirations to become one of the best in the industry.

He said, “I plan to keep progressing in the ROV field. The industry is evolving fast with new technology, and I see myself growing alongside it – working on more advanced systems, taking on leadership roles and mentoring the next generation of pilots.

“For me, it’s not just a job. It’s a career where I can keep developing, earn well, travel and never run out of challenges.”

Advice for students

Andrius’ advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps is: “Don’t be afraid to start from the bottom, and don’t let setbacks put you off.

“Education at NESCol gave me the foundation, and hard work offshore gave me the career. If you want to follow this path, be ready to put in the effort, stay curious, and keep learning.

“The offshore world can be demanding, but it is also exciting and rewarding. Most importantly, believe in yourself even when it feels impossible because persistence really does pay off.

“To sum up in one sentence: study hard, work harder and remember, even maths becomes fun when it pays for your holidays!”

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