Jake Greenwood, a student from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering here at the University of Sheffield recently took part in the prestigious WorldSkills Industrial Electronics competition, advancing to the 2024 National Finals in Manchester after excelling in the initial qualifiers.
With encouragement from Dr Raja Toqeer, Jake participated in a day-long electronics competition in June 2024. With a strong interest in electronics and practical applications, Jake saw it as an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and enhance their CV.
The competition began with a day-long electronics challenge, designed to test participants' practical skills in circuit design and troubleshooting. Ahead of the event, competitors received online training on various software tools, some of which extended beyond their academic studies. The qualifiers featured hands-on activities such as circuit fault finding, PCB design, circuit simulation, and soldering to construct a digital counter and clock. Participants were assessed on the quality of their designs, construction, and problem-solving abilities, gaining valuable experience in skills not typically covered in standard coursework.
Following success in the national qualifiers, Jake was invited to the 2024 National Finals, hosted across multiple locations in Manchester. The Industrial Electronics competition took place at Wigan & Leigh College. One of the most demanding tasks required participants to identify and repair faults on a sabotaged PCB, testing both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Competitors also had to manage their own time effectively to complete all assigned tasks. Despite the intensity, the event fostered a friendly and collaborative atmosphere among participants and judges.
The competition concluded with a final medal ceremony at The Bridgewater Hall, a grand celebration that recognised the achievements of all the finalists across multiple disciplines. Reflecting on the experience, competitors highlighted the opportunity to develop practical skills under pressure, build confidence, and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about electronics. The competition was praised for enhancing critical skills such as problem-solving, stress management, time management, and attention to detail.
"For me, this was a great opportunity to meet and compete against other people from different parts of the UK who are also passionate about electronics. It helped me gain experience working under pressure and time constraints in a practical environment, and I feel much more confident in my own ability now."
The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering continues to support and encourage student involvement in competitions such as WorldSkills, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in engineering education and practical learning.