Advanced engineering companies are major employers in Gloucestershire and, as a major supplier of hydraulic actuators to a number of key industries; Helipebs Controls has always recognized the importance of attracting young people into the engineering.
This year was no exception, and the company agreed to take on two young people for work experience during their summer holidays. Kit Menzies-Wilson is mid-way through his Master’s Degree in Engineering at Oxford University, and Edward Daniels is in his final year at Queen Elizabeth’s High School in Gainsborough.
Both were asked to discuss their experiences at Helipebs and their future aspirations:-
“Hi, I’m Kit. I’m spending about 5 weeks working with Helipebs on a summer placement mid-way through my degree; I’m studying for a Masters in Engineering at Oxford University. At the moment I am still pretty undecided on which area I want to specialise in, probably some mix of energy systems (so thermo and fluid dynamics) and electronics. Once I graduate I plan on working in industry so any practical experience I can get now will be incredibly useful later on.
At Helipebs I’m spending most of my time in the engineering department using solid works (a cad program) to draw cylinders, which will eventually (hopefully) be made. I think what I’ve enjoyed most about working here is the freedom I’ve been given to get on with my own projects and make my own mistakes; I learn much more quickly like that. Engineering in industry is very different to anything I’ve done before so I have a lot to learn but I can’t think of anywhere I would rather do it. Everyone at Helipebs has made me feel incredibly at home; it’s just a very friendly place to work”
“I’m Edward Daniels and currently studying Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology moving into A2’s in September 2013 at Queen Elizabeth’s High School in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. Outside of school I enjoy walking, climbing and drama. I thoroughly enjoy studying and learning about new things, however I am unsure of what to do in the future and with University fees so high I’ve been considering applying for an apprenticeship scheme. If I were to go to University, I would love to read Electrical or Civil Engineering.
I have come to Helipebs Controls to both broaden my understanding of what a working environment is like, but also to help me choose if going straight into work is for me. I also would like to experience some different applications of electronics, and to see whether I want to study Electrical Engineering. In addition, over the course of the next few weeks, I hope to learn some new skills such as communication and business that will be useful for applying for jobs and universities in the future”.
Geoff Davis, Managing Director, added "every year we allow pupils from local schools to come in for work experience and we usually take on apprentices. However, with Kit and Edward, both are not local to Gloucestershire and independently made contact. We were, of course, happy to accommodate them both"