NRC Engineering Students gain Engineering Insight

Pictured are some of the Northern Regional College Engineering Students who visited the Hutchinson Engineering Open Day, Thursday 21st May, with Dr Brian Hill MBE, Head of School (Engineering and Science) and Alan Reid, Curriculum Manager, Northern Regional College. The college students were given a first hand insight into the daily running of a family run engineering firm, Hutchinson Engineering

Hutchinson Engineering was announcing the capital investment of over £3.2 million through expansion and the acquisition of the latest laser technology, with a view to continuing its year on year growth.

The college students were given a first hand insight into the daily running of a family run engineering firm, Hutchinson Engineering, as they opened their doors on the 21st May to a select group of individuals. They were given a bespoke tour of their newly expanded premises and allowed to explore the latest investments made in the most up-to-date laser technology.

Alan Reid, Curriculum Manager at Northern Regional College remarked: “This is an exceptional opportunity for the students to not only gain an insight into the workings of the engineering industry, but also to meet the staff and ask some questions regarding equipment and training.”

“Hutchinson Engineering is a great partner for the NRC as the company is very willing to go that extra mile to help the students fully understand the industry in preparation for an engineering career. We already have a number of apprentices at Hutchinsons as well as being involved in the Shared Lecturer Scheme at the Centre of Manufacturing Engineering at the Ballymena Campus.”

Mark Hutchinson, MD at Hutchinson Engineering explains: “Hutchinson Engineering has built a mutually-beneficial relationship with Northern Regional College over the past few years.

“We maintain very close links with all of our local schools, colleges and universities. Our work with Northern Regional College has seen us developing their laser and folding educational programme, hosting a lecturer from the Northern Regional College who spends one day a week on the shop factory floor and additionally, our apprenticeship programme allows us to grow and also share our technical expertise.

“This allows for greater synergy between the education and engineering sectors. It’s a great way to transfer knowledge at this level as well as encourage the younger generation into an engineering career.”