Their skilled workforce in the fields of hydro-acoustics, sensor engineering and information technology have made them the preferred supplier to numerous Navies and civilian customers worldwide.  Their expanding workforce includes both Graduates and Apprentices; they also provide opportunities for school student work experience.

As a specialist for underwater acoustics, they are the market and technology leader in many sectors.  We were lucky enough to receive a tour of the premises where we observed sonar, command and weapons deployment systems, mine warfare systems, unmanned underwater and surface vehicles, communication systems, underwater weapons as well as coastal surveillance and shipping guidance systems.  A fascinating insight into high level technologies and manufacturing, with products being deployed all over the world!

The day started with a presentation by the Chief Technical Officer explaining about some of the technologies and manufacturing processes created to meet the demand of customers including our own Royal Navy.

In school teams (other local schools attending were All Saints, Lytchett Matravers & Thomas Hardye) and assisted by a company mentor (thank you Tamsyn, a member of the Institute of Physics) we were presented with a challenge of making 5 ‘parts’ constituting a mixture of materials (‘composite’) of our choice placed into moulds (finger ice cube trays) & set with melted wax.  Each part had to be different as each had to undergo & pass its own test of strength, flexibility, weight & load bearing.  Sadly we didn’t win but we had fun, & learned a lot, trying!

After the provided buffet lunch we had our tour and a STEM-related quiz, finishing with presentations from recently employed young employees – one a Graduate and one who had taken a Degree Apprenticeship.

It was a really well organised, fun & inspiring day for us all!  Thank you Atlas Elektronik!