‘HighTechElec’ Work Experience Programme give Students an insight into STEM

The CEIA – Cork’s Technology Network – in collaboration with the Tyndall National Institute, has developed a work experience programme designed to give TY students a real insight into a high tech career. ‘HighTechElec’ is a unique structured one-week TY work experience programme for students genuinely considering a career in science or engineering career.

42 students from 22 schools across Munster participated in the programme which includes a week of physics, electronics and technology based workshops, lectures, career talks, and industry placement, culminating in an innovation competition called TechnoDen. Industry partners include Tyco, EMC, Boston Scientific, Horner APG, Moog, Cork Internet eXchange, S3 Group, Sanmina SCI, Flextronics, Firecomms, and Pilz.

“The HighTechElec programme provides students with invaluable experience across industry and academia. Through meeting and working with scientists and engineers, students get first-hand experience of the career choices available to them,” said Dr. Eamon Connolly, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Promotion Officer, CEIA.

“The difference between the HighTechElec programme and any other TY work experience programme is that this is very structured – every hour is accounted for and planned optimising the experience for those participating. Apart from visiting Tyndall, UCC, CIT, an industry partner for a day, and meeting staff, engineers, and researchers at each, a highlight of the week is the TechnoDen competition, where groups of 2-4 students make a short presentation to a panel of judges, about a new idea for a product or service, based on the technology they encountered during their week. The competition element really encourages them to ask questions and think outside the box,” he added.

“We had 14 teams in total compete in the 2 TechnoDen competitions this year, and the competition was very tight. I am delighted to announce that the winning teams came from Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Mount Mercy College, Christian Brothers College, Colaiste an Craoi Naomha, Carrignabhfear, Patrician Academy, Mallow” said Valerie Cowman, Skills and Education Chair of the CEIA.

“I would like to thank our dedicated judges Ekaterina Filatova, Michelle Fitzgerald and Eileen Hurley from Tyndall National Institute, Kevin McCarthy from UCC and Stephen Collins from Nimbus, CIT. I would also like to thank our wonderful industry partners for their support of the programme” she added.

The HighTechElec programme runs for two weeks and is open to all TY students in the region. Application forms are available on the CEIA website www.ceia.ie.