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We caught up with Peter, a 17-year-old aspiring engineer, who participated in the Computing, Electronics & Robotics residential course earlier this year. The course was delivered in partnership Amazon Future Engineer. Peter was keen to share his experiences, key learnings, and the profound impact the course had on his future aspirations in engineering. 

How did you hear about this course? 

I found out about the course through scrolling through engineering residential courses online. My mum was also looking for something that I could do over the summer and once I found the Computing Electronics and Robotics course, so I immediately applied!

What have you enjoyed the most about this course? 

I really enjoyed building robots, soldering them and learning how they work. I also enjoyed meeting new people with the same interests as me and experiencing life away from home. This was the first time I have been away from home without my friends so it was really great meeting new people.  

What have you learnt from this course?  

During the course, I learnt how to complete basic programming and how to effectively wire robots. It was something I had no experience on prior to starting the course.  

What was the most inspiring thing about this course? 

I found that actually building a robot and actually making it functional was really inspiring to me. It built on my confidence knowing that I could build and programme a robot from scratch. It encouraged me to keep going and developing to help create a better product.  

How did you enjoy your stay at the University of Southampton? 

I really liked the university; it was much bigger than I expected it to be. I had a lot of fun and enjoyed having my own space. It has helped me get a taster of what life at university can be like when I apply next year.

If you could sum up the course in three words, what would those words be? 

I'd definitely describe my experience as: inspirational, informative, social 

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

I knew I wanted to be an engineer before doing this course. After taking this course, it heightened my decision more that I definitely wanted to be an engineer. I want to be an engineer because I like to make things and solve problems through critical thinking. I really enjoy learning about the world and how I can make it a better place through engineering 

What would you say to another student thinking of applying for a Smallpeice Trust residential course? 

Do it! Everyone makes friends, so there is nothing to worry about. You don’t have to be an expect in anything before starting the course and you’re here to learn. This course is a really good way to find out more about what you want to do and explore potential career pathways. It is a really fun course.  

Peter’s experience with the Computing, Electronics & Robotics course highlights the transformative power of hands-on learning and the importance of a supportive, social environment in nurturing future engineers. The skills he acquired and the inspiration he gained have solidified his commitment to a career in engineering. Peter’s journey underscores the value of such programmes in helping students explore their passions and prepare for their futures.