Our Year 12 T-Level Engineering and Manufacturing, along with Year 13 WorldSkills team, delved into the cutting-edge world of automation through a two day Employer Led Project, orchestrated by Siemens Sitrain and Engineering teacher Famida. This two-day masterclass, led by Jan, an Automation Trainer, served as an essential preparation not just for the forthcoming WorldSkills competition but also as a crucial part of the Year 13 coursework and Year 12 Engineering City and Guilds T Level content.

Siemens Sitrain, known for its exemplary training programmes, introduced our learners to the Step 7 Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal. This advanced platform epitomises seamless integration of hardware, software, and services, preparing our learners for the challenges of modern automation technology.

The workshop commenced with an in-depth walkthrough of the TIA Portal and programming in Ladder logic, enabling learners to familiarise themselves with the software's environment. Jan guided learners through the setup process, laying the groundwork for the hands-on experience that would follow.

Day two brought these concepts to life. Working in pairs, our learners applied the knowledge gained from the initial day to address a practical automation challenge. Their task was to programme Task C of the WorldSkill Automation circuit, which they then actualised on the Festo pneumatic, electronpneumatic educational automation training boards. This progression from software simulation to physical realisation was a testament to their growing proficiency and understanding of automation systems. 

"This intensive training not only gears our learners for competitive success at WorldSkills but also enriches their coursework with practical applications that will have a great impact when they enter into the world of work," shared Famida, teacher of T level Engineering. "Seeing them transition from theoretical knowledge to implementing their own automation solutions has been incredibly rewarding." 

We are immensely grateful to Jan for facillitating such an impactful session. Thanks to Jan and Siemens Sitrain for their invaluable contribution to our learners' educational journey. Their hands-on approach and expert guidance have provided a solid foundation for our learners to excel in both their coursework and future careers in engineering.