Industrial Placement Q&A: A Student’s Experience at Magnomatics

Pictured: Euan Chambers

In a highly specialised field where expertise, skills and creativity are vital attributes, nurturing tomorrow’s talent is crucial for Magnomatics and the high-tech industries in which we operate. For several years, we have partnered with the University of Sheffield to offer industrial placements where students get hands-on experience and can use their skills on real applications.

Euan Chambers, a Master’s in Engineering student specialising in aerospace, started his placement in August 2024. In the following Q&A, he gives an insight into his time at Magnomatics.

What interested you in completing your placement at Magnomatics?

With other students saying they’d been overshadowed during placements at large businesses, I wanted to work with a smaller company where I would have more opportunities to learn and improve. I applied to Magnomatics because, apart from its size, the work that's done here is really interesting. Another key selling point was that the industries they work with are where I want to pursue my career. 

What kinds of projects have you been working on at Magnomatics?

As my interests lie in aerospace, I’ve been able to focus in that field, working on an R&D project involving actuators. I’ve enjoyed being part of such a major innovative project. If it were to work and be successful long-term, it would offer significant advantages to the industry – this makes the work very rewarding and exciting. 

Will the solution be implemented or trialled by a third party or a potential client? 

Eventually, it will be for a specific client. At present, we have been working on the first phase of the project to develop a proof of concept actuator to see if the new type of actuators were actually possible. The aim was to get the actuator to work under an extremely challenging set of specifications.

The second phase of the project will continue building on the research and development outcomes from phase one. While my placement will have finished before then, having had hands-on experience during the project, I am eager to see how things progress.

What have you learnt from your time at Magnomatics?

A huge benefit of the placement is working with a highly experienced team, including senior colleagues. It’s been really helpful to learn from them and develop my understanding, skills and knowledge.

Before my placement, I didn't realise how much more I could learn, especially about the practical side of things. University gives you some understanding, but actually implementing knowledge and theory while working on genuine industry projects takes learning to another level, which has been really helpful.

What stands out about your time at Magnomatics that you would recommend to others?

If I had to pick one thing, it’s understanding the importance of designing for manufacture. I’ve learnt that in industry, you have to deliver something practical that works well and meets the client’s needs.

What are your goals for the future? 

When my placement finishes, my first step is to complete my master’s degree in engineering. Following that, I’m debating whether to study for a PhD or find work either in the UK or abroad.

My placement at Magnomatics will be very helpful when I do start looking for work. The experience has given me exposure to some fantastic new opportunities and has been a real eyeopener. With it being my first engineering job, I better understand what is required of me, which areas I’ve preferred and where I’d like to align myself in the future. In this sense, my placement at Magnomatics has been invaluable.