Each summer we run an intern scheme for promising engineering students. The scheme is part of the Cambridge University Engineering Department (CUED) Industrial Experience work placement scheme. At CRS we are keen that the company and the participating students maximise the benefits from the programme.

While most business’s attempt to give work experience students a wide range of experiences in different departments, unusually we give each student a project of their own to work on. This gives an equal opportunity to experience many aspects of the business but also gives them the experience of owning the project. Chris Finneral is at the end of his first year and is working on a novel technique for measuring Macular Pigment. He says, “In my time here so far I have been working on a project which has involved the design and implementation of microcontroller firmware. This is something that I haven't done before, but with help, it has been an interesting learning experience. One thing I particularly like is that I have been given the responsibility of the project, meaning I can execute it in the way I feel best.” His feelings are echoed by ‘Didi’ Akinluyi. “Right from day one, students working here are given ownership of their projects.” Didi is working on the novel application of our stereo stimulus technology for the measurement of squint and torsion.

CRS founder and managing director Tom Robson instigated our involvement in the CUED Industrial Experience work placement scheme and it is now in its fifth year. Tom, a Cambridge engineering graduate himself, is a keen advocate for enhancing undergraduate experience with the opportunity to gain the skills needed in the work place. “The Cambridge engineering course is possibly the best in the world”, says Tom, “but no purely academic teaching can entirely prepare a student for the challenges of future employment. This scheme bridges academic teaching and the real needs of businesses. For us it’s an investment in the future”

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