Computing students from Solihull College & University Centre have been taking their skills to new heights after participating in a hands-on drone building workshop as part of a dedicated work experience event.
Delivered by local technology company Robocode UK, based in Shirley, the workshop gave learners the opportunity to explore drone technology while developing valuable employability skills. Working in teams, students were challenged to build a drone, develop and launch a game concept complete with rules and gameplay, and present their ideas to their peers.
Throughout the day, the Robocode team provided guidance and advice, helping students understand how technical knowledge, creativity and teamwork can support future careers in the digital and technology sectors.
Managing Director at Robocode UK, Khaled Ayad, says it was an important session for students to gain an insight into industry expectations and opportunities. He commented: “The drone workshops have been a fantastic example of what hands-on STEM education can achieve. The students’ enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to get stuck in was genuinely impressive throughout.”
“At Robocode, our mission is to bring coding, robotics and AI to life for young people in a way that’s practical, accessible and inspiring, and this collaboration with Solihull College & University Centre has done exactly that. We’re proud to have been part of it and look forward to continuing to support the college in equipping the next generation with the skills they’ll need for tomorrow’s industries.”
The event formed part of the College’s commitment to providing learners with meaningful employer engagement opportunities that enhance classroom learning and prepare them for the workplace.
Head of School for Computing, Digital and Esports, Mohammed Maher, says the workshop was a valuable and engaging experience for students: “The Robocode Drone event was a highly successful and engaging experience for our computing students. The strong interaction with the employer provided valuable real-world insight, while students demonstrated excellent enthusiasm and participation throughout. The hands-on activities enabled learners to develop key skills in a fun and interactive way, effectively supporting their understanding and making the learning experience both enjoyable and impactful.”
By working alongside industry professionals and tackling practical challenges, students gained a deeper understanding of how the skills they develop at College can be applied in real-world settings, helping them build confidence and prepare for future careers in the rapidly evolving digital sector.
