Electronic Engineering courses
Pupils enjoy Electronics
Experience
From 28th June to 1st July, 60 students
from across the UK enjoyed a unique learning experience at the University of
Portsmouth.
The 4-day residential course, sponsored by the University, began with an
introduction to analogue and digital electronics, with practical
activities. This was followed by a
solder and keep workshop and presentations on electronic and electrical
engineering, where the fifty-six, 14/15 year old students were able to learn
more about career prospects within the industry.
A design and make challenge formed part of the course allowing the pupils to
explore new ideas with guidance from experienced professionals from industry
including, QinetiQ, Vodafone and the University’s Engineering Department. The students tackled a hardware
project which was to build a buggy using sensors and remote control to
negotiate a circuit in a race against time. The software element saw the students programming and widget
testing. As well as working on the
projects, students developed life skills such as teamwork, communication,
problem solving, time management and social interaction.
The main objective was to inspire and encourage young students to consider a
career in electronics. The content
had both practical and theoretical elements. Innovative thinking, presentation
skills and planning were an integral part of the course – key skills that
students don’t often get chance to explore fully in their school environment.
Spokesperson Claire Fisher from the Trust commented, "This 4-day experience is designed
to give students an opportunity to take a hands-on approach at learning the
skills of an electronic engineer. By demonstrating how exciting and rewarding the role
of an engineer can be, we hope to play a part in ensuring the stream of talent considering
a career in the industry keeps coming.”
Spokesperson
Barbara Haward, from the University of Portsmouth adds "The University of
Portsmouth has just hosted its first Smallpeice Electronic Engineering
course. It was a really successful week, enjoyed by both students and the
companies involved. The students appeared to enjoy, what was for many of
them, their first taste of University and they managed to design some
amazing technology.”
The Electronic Engineering course is run by the
independent charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme of
residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 learn and develop skills
in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. Through running residential
courses and STEM enrichment days, The Trust has reached out to 15,630 students
across the UK in the past year.
The
new course timetable for 2011 will be launched in September. Places are
allocated on a first come, first served basis. To find out more, visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk,
or telephone The Smallpeice Trust on 01926 333200.
