In the past 2 weeks Agemaspark in Doncaster has played host to four Y10 (15-year-old) and four Y12 (17-year-old) students have been on 1-week work experience placements. 7 of the students were from Doncaster utc, where the company is a Founding Partner, and one of the Y12 students was from Hall Cross Academy.
All the students spent time working across all the departments at Agemaspark learning about CAD Design in Solid Works software, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, EDM spark erosion, EDM wire erosion and of course 3D metal printing. They were set a challenge throughout the week to build a 3D model during their week, some of the components would only fit in one position to complete the model ensuring the students used problem solving skills which are a key requirement in an engineering career.
Charlie Nicol, a Y12 Doncaster utc student said “I have enjoyed working alongside the amazing team here picking up skills along the way such as squaring and learning how to operate the CNC machines. The feeling of working here has been amazing. I personally think that the way the work experience programme is being run is top quality and it has really convinced me to try and get an apprenticeship here.”
Y10 student, Joshua Brown said “I think that it has been fun and a great learning opportunity as I learnt skills for in the workplace and how to properly conduct myself.”
Hall Cross Academy Y12 student, Raphael Wilson said “Very informative whilst also being fun and interesting with lots of hands-on work making personalized objects. Overall, very enjoyable and has allowed me to understand a new area of engineering.”
Chloe Grauil, Y10 student from Doncaster utc said “Learning how all the different machine’s work/function. What to do and not do in the environment of a workshop. How to program and the degree of precision used when operating a machine. Overall, I have enjoyed my time here, all the employees have been welcoming and pleasant conversation. I have learnt so much just observing and look forward to potential encounters in the future.”
Paul Stockhill, Managing Director and Vice Chair of Doncaster utc said “Hosting work experience students is important for us as a business and as part of the wider business community for us to keep attracting a pipeline of talent into STEM industries. Young people need that opportunity to understand the world of work and the skills needed within different jobs. It gives them an opportunity to develop their confidence, understand different careers and what is involved on a day-to-day basis.
We host a number of groups of students each year and has in the past proved successful for us as some of those students have since gone on to join the business as apprentices.”