The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating the achievements of its final-year students at this year's STEM Showcase at its SA1 Waterfront campus in Swansea.
The annual showcase provides students with the opportunity to present innovative projects, research and practical solutions developed throughout their studies while giving employers and industry partners direct access to emerging talent.
More than an exhibition of student work, the event highlights UWTSD's commitment to providing students with real-world experiences that prepare them for professional careers from the moment they graduate, the university said.
Across the Faculty, students are already translating their academic studies into employment opportunities through placements, internships, live industry projects and extracurricular initiatives.
Mechanical Engineering student Nathan Evans recently received the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Award and has secured a graduate role with Aston Martin Formula One Team, while Motorcycle Engineering student Harry Rogers will begin his graduate career this month with Llanelli-based automotive remanufacturing specialist ATC.
Motorsport Engineering students have also enjoyed significant success. Harvey Levell, from Swansea, has secured a graduate position as a Junior CAD Engineer with Jaguar specialist SNG Barratt, where he will design and develop performance components for classic and modern vehicles. During his studies, Harvey combined academic learning with practical experience through the University's Motorsport Racing Team and industry work with Martin Stretton Racing, gaining valuable experience in real racing environments.
Fellow Motorsport Engineering graduate Cameron Andrews has launched his own business, CLA Composites, specialising in composite parts and repairs. Through his involvement with the university's Motorsport Racing Team, Cameron progressed to become Lead Composite Engineer; while developing the technical, leadership and problem-solving skills that have helped him pursue opportunities with a range of companies.
International student Hannah Bathgate travelled from Sydney, Australia, to study Motorsport Engineering at UWTSD and has already secured a graduate role with global manufacturer Caterpillar. Hannah credits the university's practical learning environment and involvement with the Motorsport Racing Team for giving her the skills and confidence to succeed in industry.
The university's partnerships with businesses also continue to create opportunities across digital and creative sectors. Recent collaboration with Swansea-based logistics company SHIPMAX saw Applied Computing student Kieran Brown progress from an internship into full-time employment, while Graphic Design student Caitlyn Davis continued working with the company as a freelance designer following her placement.
Mark Cocks, Dean of the University's Wales Institute of Science and Art, said:
“The STEM Showcase represents the culmination of years of hard work, creativity and innovation from our students, but it also demonstrates something much bigger, the strength of the partnerships we have built with industry and the opportunities these create for our graduates.
“Our students are not simply learning theory in the classroom. They are applying their knowledge through live projects, placements, internships, industry competitions, research and collaborative working with employers. These experiences help them develop the technical expertise, professional skills and confidence needed to thrive in highly competitive industries.
“The success of students securing opportunities with organisations such as Aston Martin Formula One Team, Caterpillar, SNG Barratt, ATC and SHIPMAX shows the impact of this approach. Employers increasingly tell us they value graduates who can demonstrate real-world experience, problem-solving ability and industry awareness, and that is exactly what our students gain throughout their time at UWTSD.
“The showcase gives employers, prospective students and the wider community the opportunity to see the remarkable talent emerging from our Swansea Waterfront campus and the real-world impact of the work our students are undertaking.”
