Wrightbus hosts students
Wrightbus has hosted a number of students as part of its commitment to help educate the next generation of engineers.
As part of the company’s continuing partnership with Queen’s University Belfast through its W-Tech Centre, Wrightbus has teamed up with students from Queen’s Formula Racing by sponsoring their new electric racing car. The single-seat EV vehicle which will be raced at the annual Formula Student competition at Silverstone later this month.
The university team recently visited Wrightbus headquarters in Ballymena to take a look at the manufacturing process behind the manufacturer’s battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Wrightbus also welcomed a group of Year 10 technology students from Cullybackey College. The group visited the factory to learn about the work being done in zero-emission technology to help decarbonise public transport.
As well as looking around the factory, the pupils also learned of career opportunities available across the company, including apprenticeship programmes.
Students from Ballymena Academy visit Wrightbus’ Ballymena headquarters
The firm also hosted a group from St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena. Members of the Wrightbus team shared the company’s story, walking hundreds of pupils through its drive towards zero-emission technology.
Laura Kerr, Performance and Development Officer at Wrightbus, said: “This was particularly special for me, as this is where I went to school and I was absolutely delighted by the enthusiasm from the students.”
A-Level students from Ballymena Academy also visited Wrightbus, as part of the company’s partnership with the school for the Sentinus Research Academy, a non-profit educational scheme to promote engagement in STEM subjects.
Teams had been tasked with work place scenarios – reacting to production line problems and transporting materials before visiting the factory to deliver presentations showcasing their problem analysis, idea generation and development of their proof of concepts.
“We take our corporate social responsibility seriously and our work with local schools and universities is a key element of this” – Nicola McCloskey, HR Director at Wrightbus
Nicola McCloskey, HR Director at Wrightbus, said: “We take our corporate social responsibility seriously and our work with local schools and universities is a key element of this.
“We provide a range of initiatives from school visits and factory tours to apprenticeship events, work experience and work placements.
“We are passionate about providing pathways into as many career opportunities as possible. We believe that nurturing the considerable talent we have locally is key to the continuing success of our business.”