Wakefield College teams up with engineering firm to offer virtual work placement

Staff from Wakefield College’s (@wakeycollege) Work Placement Team have gone virtual by teaming up with Wakefield-based engineering firm Sewtec Automation (@Sewtec) to offer college students an insight into the engineering industry. 

The group of BTEC Level 3 Engineering students spent 5 days on the project which started with an introduction to the company and its work from Sewtec’s Technical Director, Gary Day. Following this, students were then set a research and design project based on robotic automation. 

At the end of the week, students were provided with feedback and attended CV and interview skills workshops delivered by the company, giving the students a valuable insight into the expectations of applying for jobs and apprenticeships with Sewtec within the highly competitive engineering and manufacturing Industry. 

Commenting on the project, Sewtec’s Business Support Director, Mark Atkins, said:

“It has been great to engage with the students and understand their challenges or hesitations about applying for apprenticeships. We hope we have given some insight into what life as an apprentice could look like, as well as offering practical advice on CV writing and demonstrating transferable skills.

“In the run up to apprenticeship applications, students are more than welcome to get in touch with any further questions or support, regardless of whether they intend to apply to Sewtec. We are committed to supporting as many future engineers as we can and look forward to an ongoing working relationship with Wakefield College.”

Level 3 Engineering student Jack Ainsley said:

“I learned a lot about the actual company and a lot about automation in engineering. I also learned a bit about how to improve my CV and covering letter. I also learned what employers are looking for in an employer aiding in my finding an apprenticeship. I enjoyed learning about what the company did most and learning about automation as it is what I am interested in.”

Tony Jackson, Wakefield College, Work Placement Coordinator, said:

“Work placements are an integral part of the student experience at Wakefield College and they help prepare students for the future. The pandemic has had an impact on our work but we are grateful for the continued support from the likes of Sewtec Automation who adapted their approach and were still able to help our students. The week-long project with Sewtec has been highly beneficial to our learners and we look forward to continuing to work with such a highly regarded and innovative company.”