As an apprentice with The University of Manchester you are given many opportunities to enhance your future and discover more about your chosen career path. For me one of these opportunities i was presented with was an opportunity to go to the world’s leading Trade Fair for Electronic Components. This trade fair is called Electronica; it happens every 2 years and is based in Munich, Germany.
Since January this year I have been part of the Chemistry (now Chemistry and Physics) Electronics workshop. From day 1 I have been treated as a vital member of the electronics team and have been given so much support from everyone allowing my enthusiasm and passion for electronics to grow even further. When Steve, the workshop manager, found out I was to be located here for the remainder of my apprenticeship he quickly invited me to go along to the trade show with them.
After getting the go ahead from Colin, the hotel was booked, the flights were booked, everything had been paid for. So, on Tuesday 8th November I got up at 4am to catch a 7am flight to Munich. I couldn’t believe I had been given an opportunity like this, it started to sink in just how lucky I was to be in this position and made me feel like all my hard work and effort was paying off.
But believe me, this was no holiday!
Electronica was 143,000 Square meters; it consisted of 13 halls and lasted for 4 days. From PCB’s, Semi-conductors, Sensors, connectors, displays and even a hall full off boxes, Electronica had everything you could think off. It’s the place to go to find out about all the latest developments, meet companies, and create contacts…it’s like an entire world of electronics. It had 73,000 visitors from over 80 countries.
Electronica was huge, I was overwhelmed at just how big the trade fair was and how advanced technology was becoming. The amount of knowledge available in just one place was amazing; it was like walking into a book and not knowing where to start. Apart from coming back with numerous bags and pens, and blisters on my feet, I also came back with knowledge on where electronics is heading, the latest software’s being developed, ideas for my HNC project, even ideas on how to complete certain jobs I have been given. I met managing directors, I met sales people, I met designers…I even met a few people who had studied at The University of Manchester or had family here. I saw devices for picking up tiny surface mount components, devices for testing boards, devices for making PCB’s, I saw the one of the fastest electric super-bikes, I even got a free (much needed after a long day walking) pint from the Farnell Stand.
My favourite hall was the Test and Measurement hall; it contained all the latest equipment from oscilloscopes and function generators, to thermal imaging cameras and high-tech medical equipment. I saw so much that was useful and that I would love to have on my work bench that I need to start saving.
I am grateful to have had this opportunity, it has really opened my eyes to how much is out there and how electronics really is the future. It’s given me a real boost in pushing myself even further to achieve. Fingers crossed for the opportunity to go in 2018. 