Over the past four years, Utilligence has been running its engineering undergraduate scheme, welcoming new talent to our ranks. This year, we’re welcoming Charlotte and Kelvin on their sandwich placements, and are excited for the fresh perspectives they’ll bring to our projects.
Engineering remains crucial to the UK’s economy and future. It’s the driving force behind innovation in everything from renewable energy to automotive technology. According to The Royal Academy of Engineering, engineering-related sectors contribute over 30% of the UKs total economic output and over £646bn GVA each year.
Yet, despite the government making renewed commitments to encourage STEM-related studies at school, there remains a skills gap, particularly in renewable energy engineering, like the work we do here at Utilligence. This skills gap is precisely why our sandwich programme matters. We’re not just giving students essential foundational skills to help them complete their studies; we’re investing in the future of engineering. By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, we’re doing our bit to nurture the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
One sector which is still dramatically underrepresented is women in engineering. At present, women make up only about 16.5% of engineers in the UK, so welcoming Charlotte to our team is particularly exciting; particularly as both new joiners are being managed by Beth Croucher, one of our first year intakes who stayed with us following her placement and has since risen through the ranks, now heading up our design team.
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword for us – it’s essential for driving innovation and ensuring we’re tackling challenges from all angles, and whether our interns choose to return to their studies, stay with us or continue their education elsewhere, we’re happy to help them grow their skills with us.
We’re looking forward to seeing how our new hires will contribute to Utilligence. Their personal statements, which you’ll find below, give a glimpse into their motivations and aspirations. They’re joining us at an exciting time, as we continue to take on challenging projects and push the boundaries of what’s possible in renewable engineering.
Welcome to the team, both of you. We’re glad to have you on board.
Charlotte says:
“I’m very excited to be starting my placement year with the Design Team at Utilligence. I grew up between Teesside, Canada and Norfolk before moving to Brighton two years ago to start my degree in Mechanical Engineering. At university I’ve studied topics such as thermodynamics and control systems, worked on various design projects both as part of a team and on my own, and gained an understanding of software such as MATLAB and SolidWorks. Outside of work and studies, I love travelling, sports and starting new creative projects.
I was keen for the opportunity to do a placement year because I wanted to gain practical experience in the industry, which I thought could be more beneficial for my understanding of engineering than my study at university alone. I’ve always been passionate about sustainability and looking after our planet, and I’m especially interested in green energy solutions and the work Utilligence do with renewable energy projects.
I’ve found my first few weeks really interesting, learning about the design process and having some practice with a new software AutoCAD, but my highlight has been how welcomed I’ve felt by the team. I’m hoping to gain professional experience, learn more new software and broaden my understanding of engineering; these are alongside my long-term goals of working with projects to contribute to positive impacts on society and the planet.”
Kelvin says:
“I’m currently an Electrical and Electronic Engineering student with a passion for designing, analysing and improving electrical systems and devices. I enjoy learning about circuits, power systems, electronics and renewable energy technologies. My studies have provided me with a solid foundation in electrical engineering principles and have refined my practical skills.
During my studies at the University of Brighton, I’ve delved into various aspects of electrical and electronic engineering, including embedded systems, engineering design, analogue electronics and communication, control and application and digital system design. My coursework and project work has allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
I chose to undertake a placement year to gain practical industry experience, bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications and to refine my skills in a work environment. I was drawn to Utilligence because of its commitment to renewable sources, energy efficiency and power generators. The opportunity to work with a forward-thinking team aligned perfectly with my career goals. During my time here, I hope to gain valuable industry experience, contribute to impactful projects and develop a deeper understanding of powering renewable energy.
Looking ahead, I aspire to specialise in electrical engineering. My time at Utilligence will play a pivotal role in shaping my career path and achieving these ambitions.
If you’d like to explore opportunities with the Utilligence Group, get in touch.