Product category:
Engineering Education, Resources and Standards
News Release from: EEF West Midlands
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 05 July 2006
Student scoops gap year award
A gap year student working for Telford based GKN AutoStructures has won the prestigious 2006 "Year in Industry" Contribution to Business Award, sponsored by EEF West Midlands.
A gap year student working for Telford based GKN AutoStructures has won the prestigious 2006 "Year in Industry" Contribution to Business Award, sponsored by EEF West Midlands 18 year old Alex Packard was presented with the award and a cheque for GBP 500 by Barrie Williams, Deputy President of EEF West Midlands, and will now represent the region at the UK final in September
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 28 Sep 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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During his time with GKN AutoStructures, Packard was responsible for the Ford service account.
Shortly after being named the winner, the former pupil from King Edward VI School in Stratford on Avon said: "I'm thrilled, to win this award, especially as the calibre of the other entrants was so high".
"I would like to thank GKN AutoStrutures for giving me the opportunity to work with them and in particular Bob Close and Darren Dobson my manager and project manager for all their help and support".
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"My challenge was to update all our documentation relating to the packaging of all parts that GKN use for the service demand".
"I have created new ways to pack parts, which were previously packed dangerously".
"The placement has shown me how valuable 'real world' experience is".
"The feeling of independence generated, coupled with the responsibility given to me, have gone a long way to developing me as an adult".
"It was a truly worthwhile experience".
EEF West Midlands Deputy President Barrie Williams, said: "Alex's achievement highlights the fresh, innovative thinking that these students can bring to companies and shows the potential for engineering to offer a rewarding career to our brightest and best graduates".
"There is no doubt young people who take a year out in industry to gain more skills become more attractive candidates for employment".
The Year in Industry, set up in 1986, is a national programme providing high calibre, pre-university students with experience of real project work in industry which significantly enhances their degree and employment prospects.
The scheme also provides companies with cost effective access to highly talented potential graduate recruits, who often bring fresh ideas and initiative.
In many instances the students can solve problems that have baffled companies for years and save significant sums of money.
Feedback shows 86% of company managers say the scheme has had an immediate impact on their company and 98% of managers would recommend the scheme.
79% of Year in Industry students go on to gain 2nd class honours compared with the national average of just 51%.
The awards for the West Midlands region were held at the University of Birmingham on Wednesday 21st June.
The national final will take place in London in September.
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