College News

Future Engineers discover engineering with Jacobs

Three Future Engineers from QE recently enjoyed a week on placement with Jacobs Engineering. The students followed a planned programme of talks and workshops, gaining insight into a range of engineering disciplines and entry routes including process, electrical control & instrumentation, civil, mechanical and mining & minerals engineering.  They developed their teamwork, design and problem solving skills through many different practical activities, also testing out their ICT skills by using CAD. The week culminated in students giving a presentation to Senior Managers, Engineers, teachers and parents/carers about their experience; an opportunity to showcase what they had learned.

Andrew Brown, a first year student said “I found out about many sub-categories within engineering that I didn’t know existed and the week’s practical exercises definitely taught me about being organised, teamwork and not giving up when things don’t go right the first time.”

Katy Feng, another first year student added: “The week definitely helped me to focus on which area of engineering I want to follow which is aerospace.  Jacobs gave us some very important messages about being able to communicate well and work with others – I really improved in confidence, having to give a presentation at the end of the week”.

Harry Ward, a second year student who has applied to university to study mechanical engineering concluded “It was a great opportunity to find out what it would be like to work within a major engineering company such as Jacobs. Having the opportunity to speak to professional engineers about their careers was extremely useful – I enjoyed the whole experience.”

Liz Bryan, Future Engineers Co-ordinator said “Our students had to go through a very competitive process to get onto the week’s course, very similar to applying for a job.  It gave them a real insight into engineering as a career, but also the skills required to be successful.”