The highlights of Jordan’s undergraduate studies include the opportunity to travel abroad and see Airbus, Volkswagen, BMW and MAN Truck factories
Good Counsel College, New Ross, Co Wexford past pupil Jordan Neville started at SETU in 2017 on the level 6 Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering before progressing on to the level 7 BEng in Manufacturing Engineering and level 8 BSc (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering which he completed in 2021. Jordan embarked onto the MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering in 2021.
I wanted to study the MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering at WIT because:
During my time in secondary school, I always enjoyed the subject Technology the most. I was interested in the design process as well as the practical aspect of the subject. I really liked the hands-on approach where I had the opportunity to work with various tools and machinery such as laser cutters, bandsaws, lathes, and more, to produce my projects. I also enjoyed the theoretical aspects of Technology as I am obsessed with everyday technological applications used within the Manufacturing and Biomedical industries. After the completion of my undergraduate degree, I felt the MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering offered an exciting variety of modules including Biomedical Science, Nanotechnology and Strategic Technological Innovation. I had previously completed the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, BEng in Manufacturing Engineering and BSc (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering in SETU, and throughout my time in the college, I had really enjoyed the experience and this pushed me to also complete my Masters here.
My advice for CAO applicants:
I would highly advise CAO applicants to consider using their level six and level seven options. Often these are disregarded by students as they think they are not as good as a level eight course. I chose the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (level six) as my first option as I was unsure about committing myself to a four year level eight degree at the time. After two years in the level six, I moved into a one year add on course which was the BEng in Manufacturing Engineering (level seven). After that I was able to move into another one year add on course which was the BSc (Hons) in Manufacturing Engineering (level 8). So by choosing to begin with a level six or seven degree, you are not at a disadvantage and you can still complete a level eight degree in four years. It also offers security as if you decide to finish after two or three years you will have a qualification, where you can’t do the same during a four year level eight course. It is an rewarding way to study as you will graduate multiple times on your way to the level eight degree. It is also a great path to take if you are interested in doing a Masters, as my experience from each of these courses has been highly beneficial in the MSc in Innovative Technology Engineering.
The highlights of my college experience include:
Throughout my time in SETU, the highlight of my college experience was travelling abroad in first, second and third year. In first year I had the opportunity to go to the Airbus manufacturing factory in Hamburg, Germany. I also got to travel to Slovakia to get a factory tour of the Volkswagen Bratislava Plant. Finally, in third year I travelled to Munich to visit two BMW manufacturing factories, as well as the MAN Truck production plant. These were great experiences as we got an up close and personal view of the large scale industrial robots during real life manufacturing and assembly processes.
Sports and societies participation benefited my college experience in the following way:
Being a part of the Engineering Society in SETU has allowed me the opportunity to go on international trips and network with other students from different years. I am currently the Chairperson of the society and I am setting up potential meetings with graduates and company representatives to talk to current students to give an insight into what it is like using the skills and knowledge they recently learned in SETU and implementing it into a working environment. I have been the class representative during both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, allowing me the opportunity to speak at different levels at course board and class rep meetings. I am also a member of Engineers Ireland.
My favourite module:
One of my favourite modules throughout my time in SETU was “Robotics & Materials Handling”. I completed this module in third year and I learned about the use of Robotics within Manufacturing Industry. We used a software package called RobotStudio which simulated a robot using the code you produced. It also allowed us the chance to upload our code to a real robot located in the lab and it would perform the tasks identical to what was coded on the simulation software.
Why I would recommend studying in Waterford:
I would highly recommend studying in SETU if you are interested in Technology and Engineering. Some of the leading manufacturing, biomedical and pharmaceutical companies from around the world are located in the south east of Ireland and many are right beside the college. There is currently a massive demand for engineers in Ireland and after completing your engineering degree in SETU you will have no problem finding a job in the sector. The lecturers are fantastic and they create a positive environment which allows the students to enjoy learning. They offer support on day one and they are there for the student continuously throughout their degree.