News

We recently met with Dasha, a 17-year-old student who recently participated in The Smallpeice Trust’s Computing, Electronic & Robotics residential course. Dasha learnt about the opportunity through a friend and was also aware of it from LinkedIn. Her course experience was transformative, helping her solidify her career aspirations and discover new interests in engineering.  

• How did you hear about the course?  

I heard about this course through my friend, who is also doing the course. I also heard about the course on LinkedIn. 

• What have you enjoyed the most about the course?  

I have enjoyed how hands-on this course has been and working in a team. I have enjoyed the freedom to build and program things with little constraints.   

• What have you learnt from the course?  

I have learnt that I prefer the practical side of things rather than the theoretical side of engineering. I want to study mechanical engineering and robotics rather than computer science. I have found that I have been able to produce lots of innovative ideas and present them to my team, building that confidence to achieve great things.    

• What inspired you the most about this course?  

I have found talks through university inspiring. I felt inspired by the biologically inspired robots and found that fascinating. The lectures have opened my eyes to the scope of robotics and how varied they are compared to what you see in films.   

• If you could sum up your experience in three words, what would they be?  

Engaging, fun, challenging    

• Are you more likely to become an engineer after attending this course? If so, why?  

I wanted to be an engineer before I completed the course, but I did not know for sure what field of engineering I wanted to pursue before this course. After I attended the course, I discovered I wanted to go into electrical and mechanical engineering.   

I like how everyone has their speciality within a team and has different skill sets. I want to be an engineer because I enjoy building things and creating new concepts that can be evolved and developed.  

• What would you say to another student who is thinking about applying for a Smallpeice Trust residential course?   

Do it. It is really rewarding, and you will find out what you like and dislike during the course. Meeting like-minded people is fun, plus building on teamwork skills is always good.