University students get a taste of engineering

More than 70 students and lecturers from the university’s new campus, Thornton Science Park, which opened at the beginning of this academic year, gained insight into engineering in the sensing industry at Balluff in Lostock Gralam, near Northwich.

John Radford, managing director of Balluff, said: "We’re really pleased to welcome new students to Balluff and show them what we do. We know all too well how important hands on and practical skills and knowledge are in the industry so we’re very proud to be part of something that we hope will shape young engineers’ futures and careers."

After being shown live demos and exhibition equipment the students presented their solutions to a case study to their peers, lecturers and Balluff staff during the event.

Chemical engineering student, Adeeb Mohammed, 19, said: "It was really interesting to see how all the different technologies are applied to different steps of the engineering process, I had no idea how complicated it can be.

"I’m interested in progressing in the processing industry so I think what we’ve learnt today will be something I come across in my career.”

Steve Wilkinson, head of chemical engineering at the University of Chester, said: "This visit was an important part of our interdisciplinary teaching which we are pioneering at Chester.

"Science and engineering students of different disciplines (chemical, mechanical, electronic and electrical) work together in small groups to solve real problems faced in industry. It really brings this teaching alive if we can visit local technology companies such as Baluff and learn from their experts.”

The event launched the partnership between Balluff and the university which will see further investment in the engineers of the future through events, projects and work placements.

Radford added: "Investing in young engineers is an important goal for Balluff and we’re looking forward to developing this through our relationship with the University of Chester.”