Member Article

North East Business Provides Opportunities for Students

Premier Tech Aqua (PTAU) is working alongside Durham University to give students the chance to gain hands on experience in an industrial working environment.

As part of the Industrial Problem Solving module, third-year engineering students can benefit from placements with progressive companies in the region to apply a broad spectrum of acquired knowledge from manufacturing, maths and applied mechanics, right through to electronics, electrical engineering and IT.

Speaking about the placement scheme, Steve Joyce, managing director at PTAU said: “Engaging with students in the local area is not only a fantastic opportunity for the region’s local talent but also for Premier Tech Aqua. Gaining first-hand experience in a workplace is vital and will play a pivotal role in helping students to make an informed decision on their desired career path.

“As an innovative company, we believe we can offer a great insight into working in the industry, showcasing how the student’s technical knowledge can be applied on a practical level, which is an essential skill.

“We have been greatly impressed by the extremely high standard of education the students receive at Durham University and we are confident that the pool of graduates we engage with will be of high calibre. Our ultimate goal is to open potential future employment opportunities at PTAU for students upon completion of their studies.”

Ellen Coleman and Andrey Sadovnikov - both aged 21 and studying General Engineering have been the first pair to complete a two-week placement at PTAU.

With a view to specialising in renewables in their fourth year, Ellen and Andrey - successfully analysed the cost of production of the company’s flagship ASP product range. This included reviewing processes, labour and materials with the two students presenting their findings to the company at the end of their placement.

Being greatly impressed by their performance, PTAU will be re-engage with both students in July and August to complete an extended project.

Oliver Vogt, industrial tutor in Engineering Management and Manufacturing School of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Durham University said: “The industrial placement scheme has proven to be hugely successful and forms a key part of our education programme.

“It has been running for over 15 years now with 50 students this year taking part in the project with companies throughout the north east. With an extensive partner portfolio consisting of mostly product related engineering companies, Premier Tech Aqua offers a unique opportunity for students who are particularly interested in Environmental Engineering, something that up until now, we have not been able to offer anything of this nature.”

Based in Peterlee, Co. Durham, the company has recently appointed three new employees, fulfilling the roles of marketing manager, health and safety officer and management accountant. Boasting a team of 76, PTAU is an industry leader in packaged water and wastewater solutions across the UK and Ireland. It specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative products for the residential, commercial, municipal and industrial markets.

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