Meet the Team
Graham Anderson
Technical Officer
My role as technical officer within the team is to offer our clients technical advice and practical solutions on either manufacturing or process problems. I can take your idea from conception to prototype and work and then advise on a route to market. All Intellectual property belongs to the client.
I also offer taster days where no experience is required to attend, which gives you an insight into your selected industry.
Expertise – CNC Milling 3 axis and 5 axis, CNC Turning, 3D Modelling, 3D printing, Mig Welding.
I have been in engineering for 40 years and have extensive knowledge on CNC and manual Milling , CNC and manual Turning. For 20 years I owned my own business that was initially a subcontract engineering business but later developed in a manufacturing business selling products for specialist vehicles that I had designed and sold all over Europe and Asia.
I am running day and evening courses for the basics in CNC Machining, 3D modelling, 3D printing, welding and fabrication. Advanced courses will be offered bespoke to the needs of our clients.
We have the latest technology right here in Dumfries and Galloway and being able to use it and share it with our clients gives me the drive and motivation and also the opportunity to learn from our talented successful team.
Joanne Johnstone
AIMS Business and Facilities Coordinator
With a diverse background spanning hospitality, business management, information governance, and project work, I bring extensive experience from both public and private sectors, including local authorities and NHS Scotland. In my role, I support individuals and businesses in developing innovative ideas, providing guidance, and facilitating access to cutting-edge technology at Dumfries and Galloway College.
I am highly organised, detail-oriented, and skilled in communication, relationship-building, and IT systems. My responsibilities include managing project operations, overseeing budgets and funding claims, and leading marketing and promotional efforts to raise awareness of the AIMS Project. I also organise and deliver workshops, courses, and outreach events to drive skills development and business growth across the region.
Passionate about supporting Dumfries and Galloway’s economic and community development, I am committed to fostering innovation and ensuring businesses and individuals have the resources they need to thrive.
Ruben McEwan
Trainee Technician
My role within the team is working with a large variety of clients and tailor projects to their specific needs. Since I am part of the technical team I help create and deliver courses where people learn about 3D modelling and printing.
Expertise – 3D Printing, CAD Modelling, 3D Mesh Modelling, Program Design and Innovation
I joined AIMS through Placement Plus after attending one of their outreach sessions and taking part in a short course on CNC Machining . I am now helping improve and deliver these sessions for a wider audience as well as working with numerous clients in business oriented sectors.
My motivation for working with AIMS is to create new opportunities for young people in Dumfries and Galloway and show them engineering as the opportunities are limited. I want to broaden the range of opportunities and tailor the sessions to the groups we work with.
Lesley Sloan
Economic Development Officer Future Skills
My role within the team is line manager of the Project Team with strategic oversight of both business and skills support offered in the region.
I am not a technical member of the team, my expertise lies mainly in project management (educational & employability), policy development, commissioning and I have many years experience working with young people in a range of settings including schools, youth work, community arts and in care.
I am now one of growing number of Dumfries and Galloway Council staff trained in Service Design (Professional Development Award), which underpins the governments approach to involving local people in designing services that meet their needs.
Expertise – 20+ years working in central education support and employability and skills. I have worked closely with Employability and Skills Partnership or LEP supporting commissioning, procurement, finance, reporting, communications, and client information management.
My previous roles have included assessment and moderation, special projects in the senior phase, creative learning networks and foundation apprenticeships. I have held other roles working on creative projects in education through the cultural coordinators programme, a role in community learning and development, policy development, residential care both here and in America, Barnardo’s and Youth Work.
My motivation for working with AIMS Project is the endless creative possibilities that we can offer to businesses to help them evolve and progress. I am also driven to broaden the skills offer of AIMS to engage local people and help them progress into training, education and employment – hopefully inspiring new learners to the world of manufacturing and engineering.
