With a keen interest in computer programming, Simon chose to study Software Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire after a recommendation from his brother.
"I was fortunate that my older brother was already on the course so he was able to vouch for the quality of the course, making it an easy choice. I didn’t apply for any other courses which wasn’t popular with my college, but it worked for me."
After graduation, Simon’s career started when he secured a full-time job at BAE Systems as a Graduate Software Engineer. His role involved working within safety critical software development, a topic Simon studied at UCLan.
Being a keen gamer, Simon took the opportunity to move into the Flight Simulation Department as part of the BAE Systems graduate development programme. He gained access to cutting-edge real-time computer graphic systems that powered the simulators. Simon said: “I was fortunate to learn all about immersive technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality in this cutting-edge facility.”
As a Simulation Engineer, Simon was involved in many projects from creating a professional Formula One simulator to supporting the Evolution Studios games company in making a Eurofighter Typhoon video game. Reflecting on this work, Simon said: That project intrigued me the most. I was always a keen gamer and when I saw what the games team could achieve on a very modest PC, I really wanted to know how they did it. We often used many super computers to drive a simulation so I wanted to learn more about the efficiencies that the games teams utilised.”
He continued: “We progressed to pioneer virtual reality as a natural evolution of 3D gaming and were able to develop and deliver this to a high standard by drawing on the relationships we developed during the 3D gaming project. PlayStation VR went on to become the world’s most successful VR headset, an achievement that I am very proud to have been an influential part of.”
Recently Simon set up his own business “Talent For Tech Ltd”, specialising in immersive technology and specialist technology consulting. Simon supports businesses and organisations of all sizes to be successful with their technology decision-making and helps to facilitate success by introducing them to the right partners and solutions.