Students engineer their next career move
Date 15.02.2016
The School of Science and Technology at the University of Northampton hosted a networking event for students looking to gain work placements with local engineering companies.
The Northants Engineering Training Partnership (NETP) exists to link engineering companies based in the region with University of Northampton students looking to put their learning into practice to get themselves industry ready.
Representatives from companies, including Festo, Bearwood Engineering Ltd, Abaco, Knorr-Bremse. Cosworth and the Shield Group, were all in attendance at the event held at the University’s Avenue Campus on Thursday 11 February. Students were able to network and talk to each of them about what they offer and what they are looking for in potential candidates.
Ged Warburton, a second year BSc Engineering student undertook a work placement with Dajo Solutions. He said: “Completing a work placement has been really good for me and I’ve been able to learn on the job and also have money in my pocket. I loved being in an engineering environment and it’s been great experience having a variety of projects to work on. I would recommend students take the opportunity if they are offered it.”
David Chandler, who works with Ged, commented: “We couldn’t have asked for a better work placement student!”
Samantha Newell, HR Advisor at Bearwood Engineering Ltd, said: “Having a work placement on your CV puts you ahead of the game and when companies are considering job applications, this is something that really stands out.”
Phil Danes from the Shield Group commented: “This scheme allows students to have a taster of what the engineering environment is like. It’s like a stepping stone to your future career.”
Dom Goring from Abaco said: “We have been part of the NETP for over 10 years. We’ve had people come in through the partnership on a placement and are still with us! It’s been invaluable and we’ll continue to support it.”
Dan Bailey, Senior Lecturer in Engineering at the University of Northampton, commented; “The NETP companies have been supporting our students with placements, internships and industry talks and visits for over 20 years. Providing paid industry placements to over 200 students, this partnership significantly contributes to our student experience and high, almost 100 per cent employability rate.”