Engineering students gain industry experience at Boardroom presentation event

An day aimed at giving students industry experience saw them taken, quite literally, into the Boardroom.

The day, in which all second year Engineering undergraduates and apprentices took part, saw groups assessed on their designs through making presentations to representatives from a range of companies – and doing so in the Harper Adams Boardroom.

Automotive Engineering Lecturer James Croxford worked alongside representatives from RBSL, DSTL and Avara Foods to put the students through their paces.

He explained: “The day was an assessment as part of a second year engineering module called Engineering Design.

“The module looks to guide students through the Design Process, and students were presenting their digital prototypes for either Automated Weeders, if they were Agricultural Engineering students, a Robot Arm, if they were Mechanical Engineering students, or a suspension design, if  they were Automotive Engineering students.

“Throughout the process, our students were looking for approval and feedback from staff and our industry guests so they can finalise their designs - which will be made later this term ready for final testing.”

All Harper Adams undergraduates undertaking a placement year in industry – where they work for a variety of companies in the UK, Europe, and further afield – and James believes the session offers the second years a chance to test and refine their skills in preparation.

He added: “Sessions like this give students the opportunity to experience presentations and boardroom style meetings in a way they may expect to whilst on placement next year, and once they have graduated. 

“This authentic assessment has been shown to build resilience within the students, and go a long way to preparing them for industry – thus helping us achieve ‘Industry Ready Engineers.’

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the industry guests that have supported this session - and our previous sessions as well. 

“It helps give a level of authenticity that we could not provide without them, and students benefit enormously.”