MLA College

Dr Paul Folan reflects on a challenge many engineers encounter as their careers progress: building the confidence to move beyond technical expertise and step into leadership.

"For most engineers, it is about gaining the confidence to make the jump from the technical side of things."

In conversation with Arjun Sekhon, Partnerships & Alliances Manager at MLA College, Dr Folan discusses why career progression in engineering is not simply about gaining more technical knowledge. As responsibilities grow, engineers are often required to manage people, navigate complex organisational dynamics and make strategic decisions that influence wider business outcomes.

Drawing on experience across engineering, industry and academia, he explores the importance of developing the practical leadership and management skills needed to succeed in these evolving roles.

Watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txWXqQtk4z0

From Engineer to Engineering Manager: Navigating the Mid-Career Transition As engineering careers progress, technical expertise alone is often...

Three members of the MLA College community have been named winners at the International Sustainability Awards 2026.

🥇 Ashley Lashley – Gold Award, Best CSR
🥈 Emma-Lee Knape – Silver Award, Best Community Development
🥉 Josefa Zaro Huerta – Bronze Award, Best Circular Economy

Judged by an international panel of sustainability experts, these awards recognise individuals creating meaningful impact in their communities, organisations and industries.

As a distance learning institution working with students and professionals from more than 75 countries worldwide, we're proud to see members of our global community recognised on the international stage.

From Barbados, Ashley was recognised for her climate leadership and youth advocacy. From Kenya, Emma was recognised for her contribution to community development and innovation. Josefa, an Associate Tutor within MLA College's sustainability portfolio, was recognised for her innovative Circular Learning Ecosystem approach, applying circular economy principles to education and student support.

Congratulations to Ashley, Emma-Lee and Josefa on this well-deserved recognition. 👏

September intake applications are now open.

Whether you're looking to advance your career, deepen your expertise or take the next step in your professional journey, flexible higher education can help you achieve your goals without putting life on hold.

With part-time study, dedicated tutor support and programmes validated by the University of Plymouth, you can learn from anywhere while balancing work and personal commitments.
Benefits include:

• Flexible study around work and life
• Access to globally recognised higher education
• University validated industry led learning
• Flexible payment options, scholarships and bursaries
• Academic support throughout your studies

Your next step could start this September.

Learn more and apply: https://tinyurl.com/yrmmj8ff

This year's World Oceans Day theme, Reimagine Our Relationship with the Ocean, encourages us to think differently about how we value, protect and learn from the marine environment.

At MLA College, we are proud to lead on SDG 14: Life Below Water, recognising the importance of oceans for climate, biodiversity and livelihoods, and the need to protect and restore marine ecosystems for future generations.

Through education, research and professional development, we are committed to advancing understanding of the challenges facing our oceans and supporting a more sustainable future.

We’re always proud to see the achievements of our graduates, and this week we were delighted to receive a copy of Mastery of Maritime Compliance from MLA College graduate Captain Timothy Adeyemo. AFNI .

Timothy completed his BSc (Hons) Sustainable Maritime Operations with MLA College and has built an impressive career as a Master Mariner, Marine Superintendent and Marine Consultant, combining extensive sea-going command experience with strategic maritime leadership ashore.

Drawing on his wealth of industry knowledge, Timothy has authored Mastery of Maritime Compliance, a practical guide designed to support Masters, senior officers and maritime leaders in navigating today’s complex compliance landscape.

Timothy has also shared his expertise in our latest blog, From Compliance to Leadership: Bridging the Gap Between Regulations and Real-World Shipboard Practice, exploring how maritime professionals can move beyond regulatory compliance to create stronger leadership cultures onboard. You can read Timothy’s blog here: https://www.mla.ac.uk/blog/from-compliance-to-leadership-bridging-the-gap-between-regulations-and-real-world-shipboard-practice/

Congratulations, Timothy, and thank you for continuing to contribute to the maritime profession through your writing and leadership.

Victor Rujano Bautista is an environmental lawyer and advocate working across criminal law, human rights and environmental justice.

Currently serving as Spanish Coordinator, Victor’s work focuses on advancing the recognition of ecocide as a serious crime and promoting the right to a healthy environment.

As an MSc Global Sustainable Development student at MLA College, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, his journey reflects how education can support professionals working to create meaningful change, from local advocacy to international action.

Explore the MSc Global Sustainable Development.

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4n9dedym