Industry, history and culture in enriching Germany trip

Coleg Menai engineering students gained valuable real-world experience when they visited world-renowned glass manufacturer HeinzGlas in Germany.

This incredible opportunity, generously funded by the Turing scheme via Colegau Cymru, was provided at no cost to the students.

The enriching two-week trip was attended by 17 enthusiastic learners from courses across the department including engineering, motor vehicle, welding, aeronautical engineering and motorsport.

It included various educational and cultural activities, offering students a comprehensive view of both industry and the local culture.

The students visited the prestigious HeinzGlas company - a global leader in glass manufacturing celebrated for its pioneering technology, innovative products and commitment to sustainability and excellence.

The experience at HeinzGlas included a comprehensive tour of theKleintettau factory and several sites including a decoration specialist Roser, and plenty of opportunity to get hands-on experience using robotic machinery. There was ample opportunity for interactions with trainees, and the students were treated to a visit to the glass museum.

A visit to the Tropenhaus, heated by residual heat from the HeinzGlas furnaces, was particularly fascinating. Inspired by the Eden Project, the Tropenhaus is also a site for university research projects, and the students were excited to explore its unique ecosystem, including some intriguing snakes.

One of the most inspiring moments of the trip was when the students had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Thomas, a former Coleg Menai student. Aaron participated in a similar trip a few years prior to this and was subsequently offered a full-time position with HeinzGlas.

His success story served as a powerful motivator for the current students, showcasing the potential career opportunities that could arise from such experiences.

During a meal with the CEOs of HeinzGlas and Roeser, the students eagerly engaged in discussions and even tried their hand at Mr. Heinz's version of chess. Their curiosity and willingness to ask questions left a positive impression on their hosts.

Also among the highlights was a walking tour of the historic Nazi Rally site in Nuremberg, providing profound insights into the area's history. This was followed by a traditional lunch at one of Germany's oldest bratwurst houses.

The students also enjoyed a busy weekend schedule filled with bowling, swimming, gym sessions, and visits to local towns including Bamberg and Kronach, rounding out their educational journey with recreational activities.

Throughout their stay, the students were warmly welcomed by their hosts, who presented them with thoughtful gifts along the way, including a fragrance, a glass straw, a glass mug, homemade jam from the Tropenhaus, and their very own Highland Cow souvenir among other surprises throughout the trip.

The learners were joined on the trip by Emma Owen, a work placement officer with Busnes@Llandrillo Menai, who said: “We are immensely proud of our students and are grateful for this exceptional opportunity provided by the Turing scheme and our hosts.

“The trip to Germany and the visit to HeinzGlas have equipped them with practical insights and experiences that will greatly benefit their future careers.

“As the students move on to their next steps, some will be starting their apprenticeship journeys with us and local employers. Others will continue with their full-time programmes. Additionally, some students are hoping to return to HeinzGlas for full-time traineeship opportunities.

“Coleg Menai has also extended an invitation to HeinzGlas to visit Wales and the state-of-the-art STEM Centre at our Llangefni campus. We are hopeful they will accept our invitation, allowing for further exchange of knowledge and fostering deeper industry collaboration.

“As we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented learners, we are excited about the possibilities and innovations they will bring to the engineering field.

“Coleg Menai is dedicated to providing top-tier education and training, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for successful careers. Our Llangefni campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive learning environment, essential for nurturing the workforce of tomorrow.”

Parents of the students who attended said the trip had been inspiring, motivating and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

One said: “The experience my son had by going to Germany with college has opened his eyes up to the future and what he could do if he puts his mind to it. He really enjoyed the trip.”

Another said: “I’ve always told my son, hard work pays off. And being selected to go on this trip was a prime example of this. It was a formidable trip, well planned and very well executed. The young people were well looked after and given opportunities they may not otherwise ever have.

“It has opened his eyes to the endless possibilities out there and I would like to thank the college for the care and attention pre-, during and post-trip.”

Another parent added: “This trip gave my son hope and motivation for his future. A truly fab experience for him. Thank you to the college.”

And another said: “This was the first time ever my son had been abroad. I was worried yet proud. The parents' group chat made me feel at ease and updated us every single day. I loved seeing the pictures and videos - I even learnt something. They were all treated to a wonderful meal and gifts.

“They had an amazing experience that they'll never forget. A massive thank you to everyone involved. Diolch yn fawr.”

Want to learn more about the exciting world of engineering with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai? Find out more about our courses here.