Norco recently welcomed University of Plymouth mechanical engineering student Spencer Brown for a summer placement, giving him the opportunity to experience first-hand how engineering theory is applied within a busy composites manufacturing environment.
Spencer joined Norco after being introduced to composites through the laboratory facilities at university. Although he had not initially considered composites as an obvious route for a mechanical engineering career, his placement quickly demonstrated the breadth of opportunities within the sector.
During his time at Norco, Spencer worked across both the engineering office and shop floor, gaining exposure to the different stages involved in taking a project from engineering drawings through to manufacture.
“My favourite part was being given a new project where I could interpret the drawings, produce working instructions and then help guide the work on the shop floor. Seeing that process from start to finish was incredibly rewarding and gave me a lot of confidence as an engineer.”
Spencer Brown, Mechanical Engineering Student, University of Plymouth
Working alongside Norco’s experienced engineering and manufacturing teams also gave Spencer an understanding of the practical considerations that sit alongside the engineering theory covered during his degree.
From supporting production activities to seeing how engineering decisions translate into manufactured components, the placement provided valuable insight into the day-to-day realities of working as a professional engineer.
Ned Popham, Head of Engineering at Norco, said: “Placements like Spencer’s are a great opportunity for students to apply their academic knowledge in a real engineering environment. We want them to get involved in meaningful work, spend time with experienced people across the business and understand how engineering and manufacturing work together. It has been great to see Spencer grow in confidence and take ownership of the projects he has supported.”
One of Spencer’s first impressions of Norco was the scale and variety of its manufacturing capabilities, as well as the opportunity to work across projects serving industries including aerospace, defence, marine and automotive.
The experience has also opened up a potential new career direction.
“Having completed this placement, I can definitely see composites as a real pathway for me. I’ve really enjoyed the work and, where I didn’t fully understand the industry before, I now feel like a new option has opened up to me for when I graduate.”
Spencer also highlighted the value of learning from people throughout the business, from engineers and CNC operators to experienced members of the shop floor team.
For other students considering an industrial placement, his advice is simple: go for it.
The combination of hands-on manufacturing, engineering office experience and varied project work has given Spencer a broader understanding of the industry and an experience that will help shape the next stage of his engineering career.
Interested in a Summer Placement at Norco?
If you’re an engineering student looking to gain hands-on industry experience and develop your skills in a real-world manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with the Norco team to find out more about future summer placement opportunities and how you could gain valuable experience working alongside our engineering and manufacturing teams.
