Engineering inventors and information technology wizards of the future showcased their end of year projects at Newbury College's annual Engineering and IT Skills Exhibition on Thursday 3 July at 1.30pm. The exhibition was opened by special guest Nigel Warrick, CEO of NJW Limited.
Following a welcome by Nigel Warrick, guests had the opportunity to view student's work and speak to them about their projects. Special guests to the exhibition included Mayor and Consort of Newbury Councillor Jo Day and Councillor David Allen, Town Mayor of Thatcham Councillor Gary Johnson and West Berks Council Chair ' Councillor Jeff Beck. A range of companies attended the event with their own displays and company information. These are companies who invest in young talent by employing apprenticeships and providing skills across a wide industrial base including Xtrac, Williams F1, NJW Limited, Culham, Blatchfords and Schliefring.
The event saw some fascinating engineering skills displayed and showcased some of the best local engineering and computing talent in West Berkshire. The exhibition was co-ordinated by Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Richard Willis who said, "The event was a great success, the students have worked really hard and this was evident in their displays. This presentation day provides learners with valuable experience in discussing their work with a wide range of visitors from various Engineering and IT backgrounds".
This year has yet again seen some interactive and aspirational projects. One of these belongs to Jamie Pinnell who works at the Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Jamie has developed a 'Pulse Jet', using skills in all areas that are required on the STFC Apprenticeship Scheme to create the initial version of the Jet Engine that we know today that was later developed into the Turbine Jet Engine. The Jet is a standalone demonstration for outreach events that can be used to display thrust, flow rates, and material properties. The project is an essential unit in the Level 3 National Diploma, the Level 4 Higher National Certificate and the Level 5 Higher National Diploma. In each course it draws together the application of the other academic study areas in one practical subject.
Companies were so impressed with student's projects that both a Level 3 Engineering Student and HND Computing student have been offered interviews from companies visiting the exhibition. The Exhibition was closed with a presentation to Williams F1 Apprentice Conner Murphy who was awarded the Runner Up Outstanding BTEC Apprentice of the Year Award (19+).