Last month, a group of T-Level students from South and City College Birmingham (SCCB) and University College Birmingham (UCB) embarked on an exciting educational experience at the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT). They were presented with a real-world scenario: acting as subcontractors for ACL, tasked with designing and prototyping a control system, Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screen, and fixture for a new product—a pressure relief valve. This valve would eventually be assembled in the GBSIoT Hub Factory for Worcester Bosch.
Mike Tierney, Head of School for Engineering at South & City College Birmingham, said of the project:
“We have just completed a very interesting manufacturing project here at the GBSIOT with our T Level students. This was the first time we have attempted this kind of collaboration between GBSIoT and another college, which in this case was University College of Birmingham.
This hands-on project enabled the students to delve into various crucial aspects of engineering and technology, including:
– New Product Introduction (NPI) concepts: Understanding the process of bringing a new product to market, from design to deployment.
– Health & Safety (H&S): Emphasising the importance of safety when disconnecting and reconnecting services to industrial systems.
– Application disassembly and reassembly: Learning the intricacies of taking apart and putting back together complex systems.
– Proper use of hand tools and precision measurement devices: Ensuring accuracy and safety in handling tools.
– Maintaining a safe working environment: Highlighting the critical nature of workplace safety and its management.
– CAD and slicing for 3D printing: Utilising Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and preparing models for 3D printing.
– Product design for 3D printing: Designing products specifically with 3D printing capabilities in mind.
– Benefits of rapid prototyping: Exploring the advantages of quickly creating prototypes for testing and development.
– Process control and feedback: Implementing control systems and feedback mechanisms to enhance product functionality.
– PLC and HMI programming: Programming Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and designing HMI screens for efficient operation.
– Considering operator needs: Ensuring designs accommodate various user requirements, including addressing colour blindness.
The students were divided into mixed teams from UCB and SCCB, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted teamwork, communication, and leadership. The challenge was overseen by GBSIoT Ambassadors Kolawole Adayeye and Christopher Resuello from Birmingham City University (BCU), along with Aliyah Kosru from Aston University (AU). Their guidance and support were instrumental in driving the students’ enthusiasm and focus throughout the project.
Amon, studying a T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing at UCB, said of their manufacturing task:
“It’s been a wonderful experience at the GBSIoT, it’s like a dream factory here. When you come here, it gives you a different perspective on what engineering can actually be. You could be someone who works with robots, someone who manufactures air brakes or become part of a manufacturing line, or so much more. It shows you that there are many levels to this life and nothing is impossible.
“When I first came here, I was presented with a project, and I felt it was impossible for me to understand. I did not know how to programme HMI, but I went with the flow. I took a risk and it showed me that anything is possible with the help here. It’s told me how to behave in a working environment, taught me good mannerisms, how to stay safe while working while having fun as well.”
The culmination of this intense and immersive learning experience saw all teams successfully presenting their fully functioning systems to visiting staff at the end of the week. The presentations showcased not only their technical skills but also their ability to work collaboratively and creatively under the mentorship of their knowledgeable ambassadors.
These few days showcased the excellence of the GBSIoT partnership in providing practical, industry-relevant education, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to excel in their future careers.
