Students explore sustainable design during placement year
Wondering if a Year in Industry is right for you? Hear from current students Isabella, Rob, and James who share their experiences in sustainable design internships in the UK and beyond.
Isabella Palomba – Studio Davis, Bath
For the last 5 months I have been working at StudioDavis in the centre of Bath. The consultancy provides design and innovation services in packaging and moulding. They are also founders of ReBorn©, a UK-based sustainable homeware brand providing stylish, locally manufactured products with a closed-loop design – a growing concept in the world of sustainable design and manufacturing, where products are made to be reusable, repairable and recyclable at the end of their life.
During my time here, I have been tasked with designing a one-way system to collect and compress flexible plastics, in anticipation of 2027 legislation which will see kerbside collection of these recyclables. I also represented the studio at the Environmental Services and Solutions Expo at the NEC, where I gained valuable insight into the complexities of sustainability within critical civil utility systems. I also visited PES, ReBorn©’s manufacturer in Wiltshire, to learn more about injection moulding challenges – a manufacturing process that allows for parts to be produced in large volume – to understand the manufacturability of my design work.
The Year In Industry has offered a great opportunity to gain practical experience and skills, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented team of product designers.
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Rob Gregson – Ifremer, Brest, France
This year, I’m working in Brest, France, as a Materials Analyst for Ifremer, the French National Oceanographic Institute. Specialising in the mechanical properties of elastomers, my main project is motivated by a better understanding of the degradation of undersea cables used in offshore wind energy projects. It’s been fascinating to apply engineering within such a research-intensive context, and I’m looking forward to presenting my work this March at DEPOS 32 in Poitiers.
Adapting to a new workplace environment and culture was quite challenging at first, but fast forward a few months and I’m already feeling much more at home. Thankfully my colleagues and flatmates have been very patient whilst my French ability slowly progresses! When the (famously poor) weather permits, I’ve been exploring Brittany’s fantastic countryside and coastline by bike, and have enjoyed taking up sailing as part of Ifremer’s sporting association.
To anyone considering doing a placement abroad, I would highly recommend it. It’s been a unique opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, and definitely worth the initial admin!
James Falleth – LettUs Grow, Bristol
I’ve just completed eight months as a Research and Development Intern at LettUs Grow, a sustainable farming company founded by University of Bristol alumni, Charlie Guy, Jack Farmer and Ben Crowther. LettUs Grow specialises in aeroponic technology, a method of growing plants without soil, aiming to reduce agriculture’s environmental impact while improving horticultural processes for growers. We’re currently finalising the fourth iteration of the Aeroponic Rolling Bench (ARB04), which will soon be used to grow microgreens across the country, eventually ending up in our beloved meal deals.
The benefit of working at a start-up is that the work has been incredibly varied, giving me a taste of everything and a chance to develop a whole range of skills. I’ve been involved in product testing, system builds, and even product design. Learning on the job has given me a huge confidence boost and a chance to use my practical engineering skills and it’s been nice to have a change of environment too having completed two study years. A particular highlight of the placement has been securing a spot on a trip to Milan for a system installation too.
If I could pass one piece of advice on to future placement students, it would be – if you don’t ask you don’t get. I got the best opportunities simply by asking questions and showing interest. Don’t hesitate to put yourself forward and make the most of the experience!
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Year in Industry opportunities
The Year in Industry is a great way for students gain up to one year of engineering work experience during their degree, and apply knowledge gained during their first two years of study. Completed between the second and third year of study, the Year in Industry provides students with an opportunity to develop technical expertise and enhance their essential skills in a professional setting.
Year in Industry students make significant contributions in large and small organisations across a variety of sectors including Formula 1, renewable energy, automotive, built environment, aerospace and manufacturing.