Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

HSDC Alton Engineering students thrive in work placements

March 4, 2022

Nia Rogers

Engineers of the future are looking ahead to their careers after considering apprenticeships with their work placement employers.

Students at our Alton Campus have ventured out on placement to various engineering firms across the area, with some talented students managing to secure a potential place at the company once they complete their qualifications.

Nia Rogers, who is in her second year of the Level 3 Engineering Extended Diploma, is excited for the future after spending two weeks with the systems test team at Sonardyne.

Nia, who came to HSDC Alton from Court Moor School, said: 

“I could see a whole overview of the products they work with, they have to do lots of tests. It’s really chilled there and it was really easy to fit in and do what everyone else does.

“I have always been quite practical and doing things with my hands. It’s really good that this course is more general because when I came here I didn’t know which area I wanted to do so it gives you a good overview of what you can do.”

After enjoying the work placement, Nia is considering undertaking an apprenticeship with the underwater technology company, which funded The Sonardyne Centre engineering block at HSDC Alton.

Nia is following in the footsteps of her electrical engineer dad and grandad, and will go back in April for a day to see what this next level of study would be like.

Classmate Luke Hopkins also has high hopes for the future after securing interviews or offers for three apprenticeships, including one with his work experience placement.

Luke Hopkins

Luke Hopkins

Luke, who went to The Petersfield School, enjoys welding and electronics, and particularly enjoyed wiring during his placement.

He hopes to travel and is keen to work as an engineer as this will help him to explore the world in a variety of different jobs.

Luke said:

“I’ve always been a practical learner, I don’t like sitting in class. With engineering, there are always jobs available. It pays well and there’s always a need for it – I could always switch up into different fields if I wanted.”

Malcolm Buchanan, Teacher of Engineering, is passionate about the opportunities and experience students gain on work placements. He said: 

“We are currently offering eight weeks of work experience for our Level 3 Extended Diploma, which has increased from two weeks. I believe this has changed due to the success of students who have been offered an apprenticeship from the same company that they had completed their work experience with.

“It gives the student an excellent opportunity to experience the working environment and the company an excellent opportunity to see a potential worker who would benefit their workforce.”

Visit our Engineering course pages to find out more about studying at our Alton and South Downs campuses.