Philtronics Opens Its Doors to Inspire the Next Generation of Engineers
Today, we proudly welcomed a group of Level 3 Enhanced Engineering students from Merthyr College to our headquarters. The visit offered learners and their lecturers a firsthand look at our operations, underscoring our commitment to addressing skills shortages in the electronics industry by nurturing emerging talent. At Philtronics, we believe real-world exposure is key to enhancing classroom learning, and we’re eager to play our part in shaping the next generation of technicians and engineers.
In an era where hands-on experience is as crucial as academic knowledge, we see industry partnerships as a vital bridge to student development and career readiness. By building strong ties with local colleges, we aim to open doors for learners, helping them explore career paths and understand what specific job titles—like those in manufacturing—truly entail.
The day was designed to be interactive and engaging, connecting theoretical studies to practical applications. Here’s how it unfolded:
1. Introduction to Philtronics
Students dove into our company’s history, community impact, and manufacturing processes, gaining valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities within the electronics sector.
2. Hands-on assembly workshop
Guided by our skilled engineers, learners practiced soldering and crimping—skills that highlight the precision and attention to detail demanded in electronics manufacturing.
3. Virtual Reality Learning
At the Philtronics Academy, our VR training exercises provided an immersive way to explore manufacturing workflows, blending cutting-edge technology with education.
4. Facility Tour
A tour of our facilities showcased high-tech processes and gave students the chance to interact with professionals across departments, offering a 360-degree view of life in a global electronics operation.
The visit was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of key team members like trainer Kayleigh, Engineering Manager Calum, and CTO Simon Street, who ensured the day ran seamlessly. The feedback from students and lecturers spoke volumes:
- Overall experience: 11 out of 14 students rated their visit as “Excellent.”
- Expectations met: 100% said “Yes.”
- Understanding the industry: 7 out of 14 strongly agreed the visit deepened their grasp of the business, with all agreeing it was relevant to their studies or career interests.
- Growth impact: 5 strongly agreed, and 9 agreed, that the experience would contribute to their academic or professional development.
- Engagement level: 10 rated staff interaction as “Excellent,” with 4 saying “Very Good.” Every student felt encouraged to ask questions and join discussions.
- Theory meets practice: All agreed the visit bridged classroom learning with real-world applications.
When asked how we could improve, the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Bobbi said, “I’m not sure as it was brilliant,” while lecturer Phil Cartright called it “a brilliant interactive experience” with “no noted improvements.” Bryony suggested that, if time allowed, a small project aligned with the BTEC framework could show how their work fits into real-life applications.
Favourite Moments
The students’ favourite moments highlighted the day’s impact:
- Alix praised the welcoming staff who made the experience “as enjoyable as possible.”
- Liam loved the soldering workshop, saying it taught him “new skills.”
- Michaela enjoyed “learning about what Philtronics do,” while Ethan valued “experiencing activities like soldering and seeing how parts are constructed” on the factory tour.
- Jake appreciated the detailed talks and hands-on activities, noting how staff “really engaged with us.”
- Owain called our team “passionate to teach,” and Bryony cherished the “family feel” of connecting with staff on a first-name basis—a refreshing reminder that not all businesses distance themselves from their shop floor.
- Phil summed it up with his enthusiasm for “getting involved in the practical aspects” like soldering, crimping, and VR.
At Philtronics, we’re thrilled to inspire and equip these students for their futures. This visit is just the beginning of our efforts to foster talent and strengthen ties with education partners. We can’t wait to welcome more learners through our doors!
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