Dyson engineer (degree apprentice)

Tim, former student of City of Norwich School, An Ormiston Academy, is now a Dyson Engineer.

Tim is enrolled in Dyson’s Degree Apprenticeship Programme. He first found out about the opportunity from a newspaper article and at the time, was unsure of the exact STEM course to enroll in. The Dyson Institute offered hands on experience in many disciplines. Since joining, Tim has worked with power electronics, wind tunnels, iPhone app development, the chemistry department and robotics teams. He has now chosen to be based in new product innovation, designing, prototyping, and pitching new products.

Alongside working, Dyson fund Tim’s degree at the University of Warwick for two days per week, so Tim will graduate debt free, with a guaranteed role at Dyson and skipping their graduate programme.

Tim’s time at CNS gave him a firm foundation and a clear direction. Tim studied A-levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Product Design, and completed his EPQ on the aerodynamic testing of a wind tunnel. The academy ran extra-curricular activities like building and launching a weather balloon, a live link-up to the international space station and many science competitions and DT clubs. These gave Tim inspiration and a genuine interest in engineering that are still with him at university and the workplace.

Tim was initially quite close-minded about apprenticeships and did not understand their potential, but now has access to opportunities not possible at university.

Tim’s advice for other OAT students:

• Seek out and take advantage of opportunities for work experience.
• Speak to teachers about your interests and ambitions as they have a wealth of experience to draw from.
• Try out lots of extra-curricular activities; cast your net wide and you might find something that you love!