Philtronics x Coleg Y Cymoedd
In today’s world, hands-on experience is as vital as academic knowledge. Philtronics and Coleg Y Cymoedd have teamed up to prepare Wales’ next generation of electronics engineers, demonstrating the value of real-world exposure in enhancing classroom learning. This case study highlights a series of collaborative opportunities between Coleg Y Cymoedd and Philtronics, showcasing how industry partnerships enrich student development and career readiness.
Background
Coleg Y Cymoedd offers a range of engineering and electronics courses, from foundation to advanced levels, equipping students with critical skills for a competitive job market. Recognising the importance of hands-on experience, the college sought a partner to broaden students’ understanding of electronics manufacturing. With global reach and over 20 years of dedication to the Welsh community from our base in Hirwaun, Aberdare, Philtronics was the ideal choice, having already trained several apprentices and invested deeply in developing local talent.
Level 2 Electronics Students Visit Philtronics
Our goal for the visit of Coleg Y Cymoedd’s Level 2 Electronics students was to offer an engaging, interactive experience that connected academic studies to practical industry applications.
The visit included:
1. Introduction to Philtronics: Students learned about our history, community impact and manufacturing processes, gaining insight into career opportunities within the sector.
2. Hands-on Assembly Workshop: Under the guidance of our experienced engineers, students practiced soldering and crimping, emphasising the precision and detail required in electronics manufacturing.
3. Virtual Reality Learning: Our VR training exercises at the Philtronics Academy offered an immersive way to understand manufacturing workflows.
4. Facility Tour: Students toured our facilities, observed high-tech workflows, and interacted with professionals across departments, offering a comprehensive view of operations in a global electronics setting.
David Howells, Head of Engineering at Coleg Y Cymoedd, praised the visit as "a superb trip” that vividly demonstrated the application of theoretical knowledge and called it a "life-changing investment of time” for many. The students left feeling inspired and more confident about their career possibilities in electronics.
Apprenticeships and Career Pathways
The visit sparked new conversations about future career development, leading to a successful half-term work placement for an Enhanced Engineering (EEPS) student. During this week-long experience, the student rotated through all areas of production, including PCBA, loom assembly, clean room, box build, cabinet build, inspection and testing, gaining a broad understanding of each discipline.
Reflections on the experience:
- “I found my week at Philtronics great; I’ve learnt lots of skills that will help me later in my career. Testing was particularly interesting, and the busy production environment was enjoyable. The staff were welcoming and respectful – I felt like part of the team and can definitely see myself coming back for an apprenticeship.” Evan, EEPS student.
- “Thank you to Philtronics for once again opening your doors to our learners. Your support has been invaluable. We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership.” Will Brook, Work Placement and Employer Engagement Coordinator.
Building on this success, we will replicate the placement in February 2025, this time inviting two students to gain vital first-hand experience and employability skills.
Expanding Our Apprenticeship Programme
Philtronics is committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers through our structured apprenticeship programmes, and we are proud to partner with initiatives like Network75 and Merthyr College’s Aspire, providing students with opportunities to earn qualifications while working on real-world projects.
Success stories:
- Will: A Network75 apprentice from the University of South Wales, joined us in 2021 and has made significant strides in his engineering career.
- Lucas: Started as an apprentice and is now a fully qualified Electrical Engineer. After completing his NVQ Level 3, he is pursuing a Higher National Certificate (HNC), sponsored by Philtronics, to continue advancing his skills.
- We also currently house three new apprentices who are working toward their NVQs, each thriving in our supportive, practical learning environment.
Reaching a Wider Audience
Our relationship with Coleg Y Cymoedd extends beyond traditional engineering pathways. By sponsoring their Esports Wales League, we are engaging students across diverse disciplines, enhancing our brand presence and inspiring a wider audience. This sponsorship showcases our commitment to supporting young talent in both academic and extracurricular endeavours.
Additionally, we recognise the value of transferable skills from other fields, such as construction. Many skills developed in construction courses – like precision, problem-solving and teamwork – are highly relevant to electronics manufacturing. We are keen to host visits from construction cohorts and showcase how their expertise can translate into careers in our industry.
Group Tutorials and Community Engagement
To further support student learning, we plan to conduct group tutorials at Coleg Y Cymoedd. Our engineers will visit the campus to deliver practical sessions and discuss career opportunities, providing valuable insights into the engineering profession. These sessions will also highlight the accessibility of STEM careers and encourage students to consider their future at Philtronics.
Looking to the Future
Philtronics and Coleg Y Cymoedd’s partnership is one built on shared values and a commitment to student success. Our recent discussions have laid the groundwork for inviting Level 3 Engineering students to our facilities, showcasing employment opportunities as they approach graduation. By opening our doors to more students and expanding our outreach, we aim to inspire learners to see the benefits of studying electrical and electronics engineering.
We invite local secondary schools and colleges, career advisors and industry partners to explore similar collaborations with Philtronics. Together, we can invest in local talent, dispel myths about engineering careers and inspire young people to achieve more than they ever imagined. Our collective efforts will help shape a brighter future for STEM in Wales, ensuring a skilled and vibrant workforce for years to come.
Join us in our mission to inspire and prepare the next generation of engineers. Let's create opportunities, build meaningful partnerships and support the future of Welsh engineering together.
LATEST NEWS
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Us
Philtronics Solutions was formed in 2018 and is the sister company to Philtronics Limited. Philtronics Solutions is a technology development company that offers smart innovation, from concept to delivery. We offer electronic and firmware design services through to design for manufacturing. Philtronics Solutions is committed to developing and supporting sport in Wales.
