A cutting-edge robot has been donated to Newtown College by Europe's number one cobot firm in a bid to attract the next generation of engineers and keep talented local young people in mid Wales.
Newtown-based Reeco Automation has been helping to shape the curriculum at Newtown College hoping to inspire students to gain valuable skills in robotics, engineering and IT.
A team of Reeco's skilled workers were on hand to help Newtown College students and Newtown High School and Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd pupils get the most out of the time they had with the robots during workshops held at the college.
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Nick Howells, Reeco Operation Manager said the company wants to work in collaboration with the college as much as possible.
"By donating the robot, we hope this cements a positive relationship for the future," he said.
"We hope we can continue to visit the college to show off new solutions to the students and foster career opportunities for students to progress and work locally."
The event at Newtown College was made possible through the partnership between education providers in Powys and forward-thinking businesses like Reeco.
NPTC Newtown College said the collaboration fosters a real approach to STEM education demonstrating problem solving with real world applications.
Several members of the Reeco team were past and present college students including operations technician Rob Francis, who had studied welding and operations manager, and former electrical student Nick Howells.
Current IT student George Trainer was also present and also has a part-time position with Reeco. The job opportunity came about as part of an Employer in Residence event at the college and means that following completion of his studies on Level 3 IT this year he has now been offered full- time work with an agreement to further fund a degree course.
Aimee Lane, Head of Engineering, said: "The Engineering department want to thank Reeco for organising a remarkable event and their most generous donation of the robot.
"It will ensure that students gain a unique learning experience. We are looking forward to continuing work with Reeco and the local community to develop and enhance the learning experience for our students."
NPTC Group of Colleges, Director of Partnerships, Kathryn Dunstan added: "It has given learners a chance to see real life applications and meet with potential employers.
"We hope to continue this positive approach to working and thank all those involved in making this a successful and enjoyable event."
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