Our T level Engineering learners had the opportunity to visit Omron’s Electronics Milton Keynes head office to experience key practical elements and electronic knowledge linked to the T level Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing course being executed in an industry context.
Omron are one of the sponsors for the WorldSkills Automation competition that our learners have competed in for the last three years. The Automation competition is one of the practical elements of the course where learners link their engineering knowledge to the real world scenarios. Our T level Engineering teacher Famida had the opportunity to meet with Wayne Corp at the National Qualifiers for WorldSkills competition hosted at LDE UTC where our learners’ passion for mechatronics was evident. Following this introduction, our learners were invited us to visit Omron.
Omron, founded in Japan in 1933, is a company predominantly involved in the manufacture and sale of automation components, equipment and systems. As well as leading in the production of electric components and technology, they are also leading providers of medical components and technology. Wayne works as an education engagement manager at the company.
During their visit, learners were able interact with several different types of robots – collaborative robots, high speed industrial robots and mobile robots. Learners experienced how these robots worked alongside humans and the safety features included to protect Omron employees. They also had the opportunity to program the robots, offering them a hands-on insight into the career of an automation technician. Learners also explored how control panels orchestrate production lines as well as getting the chance to program Machine Automation Controllers.
Learners also listened to engaging talks from leading Omron employers and apprentices. These speakers included: Professor Mehmet Karamanoglu the National Training Manager and organiser for WorldSkills UK; Tony Henshall who works as an Application Engineer at Omron Electronics UK and Ilja Hoffmann who works as Omron’s Key Account Manager.
“It was interesting to hear how each professional that spoke had varying career pathways and routes into the company. They were very inspiring and gave really good advice about career and degree apprenticeship opportunities at Omron,” Heloysa, year 13 T level learner.
“Following this taster session, learners are in a great position to apply for roles in this sector because of the knowledge and first-hand experience they gained during their day at Omron. With experiences like WorldSkills competition and visits to leading engineering companies such as Omron, learners are constantly refining their programming skills, working with the latest and best industry equipment and gaining valuable experience that will set them apart from the rest of the candidates when they look for employment.” Famida, Teacher of Technical Curriculum.
With such a varied and comprehensive insight into engineering and mechatronics in industry, this trip was not only pertinent to the curriculum but went even further by giving learners unparalleled insight into Omron as a company and its wider significance in the engineering industry. Thanks to Omron's hospitality our learners were able to experience a combination of all the units on the T level course, combined and applied in industry.