On Friday 8th of June, Engineering Apprentices from The University of Sunderland came together to showcase their work to their mentors and visiting audiences from local Engineering businesses. There were also three prizes for apprentices who impressed judges the most with their projects.
The students who attended used the event as an opportunity to showcase their work and their talents to audiences, with the event also going to be 10% of their prospective overall grade.
Jordan McCarthy, a final year Engineering Apprenticeship student who works at TT Electronics said: “I went into Engineering because I like problem-solving and loved Lego and art as a child and doing woodwork in school.” Jordan had a lot of experience within the engineering industry, having done apprenticeships previously – she was able to exemplify this previous learning and join the apprenticeship in the second year.
Jordan said: “Doing this apprenticeship at The University of Sunderland doesn’t feel like an apprenticeship as it’s integrated within your job. It doesn’t feel like you are doing both, you’re just learning at the same time as doing your normal job.”
“I have no student debt as the apprenticeship was government-funded. I get to learn at the same time whilst also earning a wage from my employment. You take what you do daily in your place of work and the University adds an understanding and meaning behind that.”
“The biggest thing for me has been learning about project management and being able to apply this to my place of employment.”
Another Apprentice, in his third year of Engineering, Adam Kirtley, works at Caterpillar.
Adam said: “Presenting like this is a lot better than standing and talking at a group of people. You get asked more questions and get the opportunity to answer them.”
On the apprenticeship programme, Adam said: “You get multiple criteria to work on whilst you’re studying and working. Getting to the end of the degree will be my proudest moment.”
Todd Jamieson, who works at Sterling Pharmaceuticals designed a project that has saved the company money and is projected to save much more in the future.
Todd said: “You get time away from work to do the degree whilst still being employed. The degree is practical, hands-on, and teaches the theoretical side of Engineering. You also have no debts and no costs at the end, rebut you still get the same degree as a traditional University degree.”
The judges at the event decided on their favourite three projects. The judges included James Morton from Sterling Pharma Solutions, Chris Lindridge from Sunderland College, Chris Parker Hannifin and Dave Thacker.
Brett said: “It is much better for students. The Degree Apprenticeship at Sunderland University isn’t too academic and relates closely to the student’s place of employment.”
The three winners were Jordan McCarthy in third place, Luke Jackman in second place and Scott Ellis in first place.
If you like the sound of The University of Sunderland’s Engineering Degree Apprenticeship and want to find out more, why not come to one of our virtual information sessions? They provide an opportunity to ask our programme lead questions to see if the course is right for you.
