NPTC Group of Colleges has welcomed students from the Wilhelm Maybach Schule, a technical college located in Heilbronn, Germany. The exchange that first started in 1976 is now in its 42nd year.
The students were welcomed by the Building Engineering Services, Construction and Built Environment, and Engineering departments. They worked on a two-week project using the Revit 3D VR design software and Loxone home automation equipment to design homes of the future that implemented a system incorporating smart technology devices to provide environmental and comfort control connected via the Internet of things.
The successful exchange visit has been running for consecutive years connecting Heilbronn and NPTC Group of Colleges working to improve, develop and exchange student’s language skills, technical skills and confidence whilst gaining accreditation in their subject discipline and exploring the different cultures within the European community.
The eight students worked in two teams to come up with alternative solutions to control smart home energy systems from remote devices. The students came up with innovative ideas to control temperature and lighting devices to maximise energy efficiency within the home. They presented their ideas using integrated circuit devices and created a visual prototype using CAD software.
During their time in the UK, the students explored Welsh culture learning about sporting activities, local foods and explored the coastal line that shapes west Wales. The exchange visit gives the participating students a rich cultural backdrop in their field, as class discussions and planned activities touch on traditions from around Wales and Engineering.
Ian Lumsdaine, Director of Studies – Construction and Built Environment, and Building Engineering Services, was delighted to welcome back the technical college students and staff and said: “The partnership between the two colleges is an excellent way to link practices and teaching methods used in Europe. I’d also like to thank our experienced staff who have been very supportive of the exchange, helping the German students build skillsets for their working careers they can take back with them overseas. It is an international relationship we hope will continue for many more years.”
