UKESF-Headstart Summer School 2018
The UKESF-sponsored Summer School for 2018 took place 23–27 July at the University of Bristol, and was organised in partnership with Headstart EDT and the Faculty of Engineering at Bristol. 80 final-year A-level students attended the week-long residential course and experienced their first taste of university life, with the opportunity to learn more about studying Electronics at degree level and take part in a variety of lectures, labs, visits and networking opportunities.
Since 2011, the UKESF has sponsored the annual summer school as part of the Engineering Development Trust’s (EDT) range of Headstart courses. This year, lectures included ‘Autonomous Vehicles’ and ‘Electrical Engergy Management’, with practical teamwork activities such as a ‘Robot Challenge’ taking place across the week and culminating in a prize-giving ceremony on the final day.
UKESF partner companies AWE, Altran (now Capgemini), Infineon, Renishaw, Renesas and Swindon Silicon Systems/Sensata Technologies came along for a well-received mini careers fair (pictured at top) on the Tuesday, followed by a presentation from UKESF CEO Stew Edmondson. UKESF Scholars Lewis (Embecosm) and Martin (Infineon) shared their experiences with the students through talks and a Q&A session.
Stew Edmondson said, “Seeing the 80 sixth formers so engaged and enthusiastic about Electronics was very heartening; they asked great questions and showed an obvious desire to learn more. It makes all the hard work we and the University of Bristol have undertaken with the EDT to put on the course so worthwhile.”
Conor, who helped represent Sensata at the careers fair, said, “I really enjoyed speaking to the students, telling them about our experiences as electronic engineers up until now. I look forward to doing more STEM outreach.” If your company would like to get involved in UKESF outreach activities and help inspire future engineers, please get in touch at [email protected].
