On the 29th of October we welcomed Luke Powell from TVL to introduce our year 13 engineers to an employer led project that will cover a number of their engineering degree units. The TVL group is an engineering and manufacturing company that creates innovative solutions to security challenges in the automotive industry. Observing the company’s use of advanced engineering and design technologies, including CAD, 3D printing, and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing), will help to illustrate to our students how innovative ideas are transformed into practical precision engineering products. Meanwhile, they will develop the skills required for future careers in engineering and design through their new project.

The students have been set two exciting engineering challenges. The first requires using Fusion Manufacturing to design and create a desk tidy featuring the TVL branding. The second challenges students to test different proposals aimed at improving the aerodynamics of TVL’s ArmourShell van door lock.

Exploring the technology behind automative security  

Our guest's video presentation gave an overview of the company and explained their application of computers in manufacturing.  His presentation covered areas such as video scanning for product development and the use of digital communication to assist their sales and marketing team. This was in addition to their extensive use of both CAD and CAM technologies. Luke then welcomed questions from the learners before a tour of one of their promotional vehicles to explain the application of and rationale behind their products.

Building skills through industry collaboration

This presentation delivered important brand knowledge and was the first of a series of visits during which Luke and his colleagues will present briefs, feedback on learner work and develop a new phase to the project.  Our students will need all of this to succeed in their engineering challenges. The collaborative project with TVL will give year 13 students exposure to real world engineering and manufacturing by translating their classroom work with CAD, 3D printing and CNC milling to practical applications. Helping students understand the importance of creativity, technical ability and problem solving.  

Join our sixth form community

This collaboration is an example of the investment poured into our sixth form students. To find out how you or your child can get involved with our sixth form program contact our admissions department at:  [email protected]