Bright spark wins engineers’ top prize
SAHIL THIND has discovered an award-winning passion for engineering at college.
The 18-year-old completed the first year of his BTEC Engineering diploma at Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMET) with a Distinction Star, the highest possible grade.
The teenager from Aston, Birmingham, recently became one of just ten students across the UK to win the Sir William Siemens Certificate for Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).
The prize recognises students showing excellence, innovation and dedication during the first year of their sixth form studies. Sahil received £100, with the college gaining £200 towards the cost of their STEM teaching and learning activities.
‘I felt humbled to have won, because it’s a prestigious award,’ says Sahil. ‘It’s one way of proving that all my hard work over the past year has paid off.
‘My interest in engineering was sparked during my school days when I’d talk to my maths teachers about cars and mechanical theory.
‘This led to me research involving engineering. The more I looked into it, the more enthusiastic I became.’
Sahil’s engineering diploma includes modules relating to mechanical principles and systems as well as electrical technology, engineering drawing and mathematics for technicians.
He regularly completes projects and assignments based on real workplace situations, activities and employee responsibilities. Sahil says: ‘I really enjoy my course. The teachers are brilliant and keep you interested in the subject. They’re supportive if you find anything difficult to understand first time round.
‘The college facilities are excellent, too. The workshop equipment matches what you would find in the workplace, so you know you’re getting the skills your future employer wants you to have.’
Sahil plans to study for a mechanical engineering degree after finishing his course and aims to pursue a career in design manufacturing.
John Duffy, department manager at the college, says: ‘Our courses have a strong focus on preparing students for the world of work and gaining the skills employers are looking for.’
BMet College is one of the largest further education colleges in the UK. It specialises in engineering, electronic engineering and technology courses and provides apprenticeships for employers including BMW Group and Caterpillar.
Meanwhile, 21-year- old florist Zoe Rowlinson now works for Fabulous Flowers in Oxford after gaining a HND in floristry from Moreton Morrell college, Warwick, Warwickshire.
She says: ‘I was lucky to be encouraged by my family into pursuing my passion because they all have vocational backgrounds themselves.
‘But for those who are unaware of the alternatives to A-levels and university it can be really daunting to step out into the unknown.’