About Stuart Blackett

My name is Stuart Blackett. I was born in 1985 in a town called Hartlepool (North East of the UK). I am by profession a website developer. But I am looking to expand my expertise to Web and Mobile Applications. As well as looking further into Web Design.

The Internet at an Early Age

I have always had a keen interest in computing from a very early age. At 8 years old I had my first ever 56kbps internet connection on the infamous AOL Network. At that time all websites were very square, plain and obscure. I have followed the web and web technologies since. A key interest for me is the development of Web 2.0 and Social Networking on the internet.

PHP / XHTML / CSS / Web Technologies

I have always followed web programming technologies from the age of 12 I was more than experienced with HTML as it was known back then. Producing fairly basic websites but building an understanding of HTML and how it works. It was not until University that I fully appreciated newer technologies such as CSS, where I learnt CSS-P and produced some excellent projects for my various University Projects.

Educational Background

I have furthered my interest in Websites and Website Development throughout my academic career, Sitting 4 A Level ICT Exams whilst still in secondary school, Obtaining a respectable grade D for those 4 examinations. As well as gaining a grade B at GCSE Level.

At college I studied AVCE ICT, which gave me an exposure to general computing, Hardware, Software and Multimedia, But the subject I used to really enjoy in college was - Web Development

I continued to University with my interest in the Web and Multimedia and studied for 4 years and gaining a respectable 2:1 at Degree level

During my time at University I also gained 12 months experience at Durham County Councils' ITSS Deparment, where I had exposure to the Durham Schools Extranet, Which helped me to develop my website skills even further.

I am considering partaking on a Masters course in October of this year.

Career Background

While I was studying at Univeristy I worked as Customer Service Representitive for Vodafone UK. Dealing with billing queries and technical issues for Vodafone customers. Most would describe this as a boring job, But I enjoyed working with customers and within a team environment

After graduating I took a Website Developer role for a company called Fantasy Prints, based in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Working as the only developer in the team. Building e-Commerce sites as well as Content Driven Websites. As well as gaining further commercial skills. I also learnt the new skill of Search Engine Optimisation. I still work for Fantasy Prints on a Freelance basis, but am looking for something more permanent and an excellent opportunity to work alongside an experienced developer to enhance my skills further.

From 17th August 2009, I have been working for Chapman & Latimer Ltd alongside an experience HND Graduate - Terry Charlton as a Web Developer / Programmer. Working on new programs and applications including Bank Safe a new way to learn how to be safe with your banking details online. This is an excellent opportunity to watch the company grow and work my way to an experienced programmer.

Future Plans

I plan to partake in a few relevant Web Exams, Including the Zend Framework examination, Which will help me to prove that I know a good concept for Object Oriented Programming. I also plan to take the W3 Schools Website Examinations. I am also considering taking an A/S Level in possibly German or English. I will also be looking to gain an FA Coaching Badge at somepoint in the not so distant future