Chris Resuello, a BEng Electronic Engineering graduate from Birmingham City University (BCU), has successfully secured a position as a Graduate Project Engineer at Automation Controls Limited (ACL), a member of the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) employer board. His journey through two GBSIoT partner institutions—Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) and BCU—illustrates the strong educational and industry links that GBSIoT offers to students.
Chris’s interest in engineering began at James Watt College, BMet. He initially considered other career paths, but stories from his uncle, a Control/Project Engineer, inspired him to explore engineering. This led him to pursue a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering at BMet. His time there allowed him to gain foundational knowledge in the field, and his growing interest in electrical and electronic systems encouraged him to further his education at BCU.
At BCU, Chris enrolled in the BEng Electronic Engineering program, which he describes as a turning point in his academic journey. “The degree itself challenged my entire skill set, mindset, and knowledge of engineering,” he notes. Through various projects, including his dissertation, Chris was able to expand his technical abilities and apply theoretical principles to practical scenarios. His dissertation project, a collaboration between Siemens and GBSIoT, focused on developing an Industrial IoT Dashboard for the GBS IoT Cyber-Physical Lab, providing him with hands-on experience in cutting-edge industrial technology.
In addition to his coursework, Chris was involved in several other key projects. One involved developing a similar Industrial IoT Dashboard using Siemens technology, which he presented at the Siemens Connected Curriculum event. He also assisted a postgraduate student at Aston University in a project that transferred data from the Cyber-Physical Lab to an AR application in a virtual environment.
Chris balanced these demanding projects with his role as a GBSIoT Student Ambassador. In this capacity, he supported other students, provided teaching materials, and helped maintain the GBSIoT Lab. This role not only reinforced his learning but also allowed him to contribute to the GBSIoT community.
His dedication was further recognised when he competed in GBSIoT’s first-ever Connect event and competition, where Chris scored joint second place. GBSIoT was delighted with his performance and acknowledged it as a testament to his hard work and the skills he developed through his studies and projects.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Chris highlights the difficulty of managing his studies alongside his dissertation and projects. However, his commitment to putting in extra hours and staying organised enabled him to stay ahead of deadlines. “Although the hours were hectic, in the long term, it made me more on top of everything,” he explains.
Upon completing his degree, Chris secured employment with Automation Controls Limited (ACL), a member of the GBSIoT employer board. He credits the opportunities provided through GBSIoT, including industry-linked projects and access to advanced technologies, as key to his success. “My career was achieved with the assistance of GBSIoT,” Chris states, emphasising the role the institute played in preparing him for his current role.
Chris’s journey—from studying at two GBSIoT partner institutions to securing a position at one of its employer board members—demonstrates how GBSIoT helps bridge the gap between education and employment. Through industry-relevant projects, hands-on learning, and strong institutional support, GBSIoT equips students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Now employed at ACL, Chris looks forward to continuing to apply the skills he developed during his time at BMet, BCU, and GBSIoT. His experience illustrates how GBSIoT’s partnerships with both educational institutions and industry employers provide students with the resources and opportunities they need to transition smoothly into the workforce.
