Engineering duo receive double recognition from Institute of Engineering and Technology Award and Siemens Digital Award

Hard work and dedication have paid off for two former engineering students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Bangor Campus who have recently received two awards for their innovative Greenpower Formula 24+ race car project that the duo completed for their final year projects.

James Robinson, a former Sullivan Upper School pupil and Simon Keys, a former Bangor Academy pupil both came to SERC after completing their A Levels to study for an HND in Manufacturing Engineering.  During their second year, the talented students set their sights on developing a new drive train and steering rack system for the college’s Greenpower Formula 24+ race car. The project required them to research, design and test their innovative ideas supported by an extensive writeup on the project.

With state-of-the-art equipment and industry experienced lecturers on hand to assist, both James and Simon’s efforts were rewarded this year when they won the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) Engineering Award for their innovative use of technology in the car and the Siemens Digital Award for their use of Computer Aided Design engineering in developing the car.    They were presented with their Award by Stuart Christy, Regional Ambassador for Greenpower.

Speaking about his experience Simon said, “The was a great opportunity for us to work on a real-life industry engineering project which required us to set out our goals for the project whilst working to a tight deadline. To win these prestigious awards is a humbling experience and shows that the hard work and sleepless nights were all worth it.”

Following completion of their course, both students secured employment with SERC as Engineering Interns and are now working alongside their former tutors to inspire the next group of students. 

James said, “We were delighted to be offered Internships with SERC and really enjoy working with everyone. The course allowed us to gain the experience and confidence needed to succeed in industry. We would strongly encourage others to consider SERC as a first option.”

Trevor Breadon, Head of School for the School of Engineering and Computing at SERC said “Both James and Simon have put a great deal of effort into learning and perfecting their skills. They have demonstrated their skills to leading figures in the industry and are a testimony to the high-quality of teaching and learning that goes on here at SERC. I am proud to have them as part of the team in inspiring the next generation engineering students.”

SERC provides a wide range of full and part time courses.  Visit us at our Full-time Open Day on Wednesday 6 March from 2pm – 8pm at our Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards campuses.