Encouraging young people into electronics

Gower College Swansea is encouraging the next generation of talent into the consumer electronics industry.

As a direct result of a successful bid that Curriculum Leader Steve Williams made to Worldskills, two digital technology students will oversee the Industrial Electronics Showcase at the Worldskills National Finals at the NEC in November. With the potential to be seen by thousands of people over the two-day event, the students will present their winning Engineering Education Scheme Wales project – a prototype for a Smart TV - and host interactive sessions promoting the industry.

“We have two fantastic students in Sara Vonk and Chloe Moore and they will run the Showcase for the whole duration of the show,” says Steve. “This is a major honour for Gower College Swansea as we will be the only further education establishment representing the sector as this very prestigious event.”

In addition Steve, who has recently become Chairman of the Home Electrical Electronic Servicing Training (HEEST) Forum, has set up a working group of students and tasked them with putting together a plan for actively engaging young people in the world of consumer electronics products.

Michael Jones, Daniel Jones and Ryan O’Connor, who are studying towards the EAL L3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology, will redesign the HEEST website and social media networks, and accompany Steve to London in the New Year to present their vision to leading electronics companies at a HEEST board meeting.

“The best way to attract young people into the sector is to find really good role models they can easily identify with,” adds Steve. “By attending these shows and putting students at the forefront of development, we hope to achieve this. Consumer electronics is such a growth area and there are really exciting opportunities up for grabs now – young people need to know this and we welcome their input and participation.”