Engineering futures through industry links

A Newcastle-based independent school is strengthening connections with industry to give students real-world insight and support future career pathways.

Dame Allan’s Schools has expanded its Dame Allan’s Connect initiative through a visit to subsea engineering firm DME Systems, as part of efforts to bridge the gap between education and employment.

The programme brings together pupils, alumni and professionals through targeted mentoring and sector-focused engagement, offering practical exposure alongside academic study.

During the visit, undergraduate Allanians toured DME Systems’ South Tyneside facility, gaining insight into the design and manufacture of subsea equipment, trenchers and control systems. 

The session also included a business overview and a question-and-answer discussion on careers in engineering, giving students a clearer insight into how the sector operates in a commercial environment.

Michael van Zwanenberg, co-founder of DME Systems, said: “Much of school work is theoretical skill building. 

“Being able to see how this is put into practice and its relevance has obvious benefits – I know I would have benefited from this during my school career.

“Young people represent the building blocks of the next economy, both in the North East and the wider country.

“It’s important to showcase that the North East has world-leading industries and talent, and that if students wish to remain in the region, those opportunities are available to them.

“It gives their current studies some grounding, realism and potential motivation. 

“It also builds awareness of the companies and industries where we have significant expertise, and the types of roles available once they graduate.”

George Nicholson, an Allanian now studying mechanical engineering at the University of Edinburgh, added: “The most valuable part was getting a direct insight into how a specialised engineering business operates.

“It was particularly interesting to see how someone with a technical background transitioned into founding and running a successful independent business.

“Opportunities like this are essential. 

“They make a career feel more attainable by connecting what you study with what you can actually do.”

Dexter Bell, an Allanian currently studying engineering at the University of Cambridge, added: “I found it extremely valuable to gain insight into a new industry that I do not have a great deal of knowledge about.

“It was also very useful to speak to experienced engineers about the skills they use in their jobs, as often much of the theory you learn in university is not applied in industry.

“These opportunities are incredibly valuable, and I really appreciate that the school continues to support its alumni beyond leaving. 

“The network being created is a real asset.”

Dame Allan’s, based in Fenham, plans to further expand the initiative across additional industries, building on a model that combines alumni networks with direct access to employers to better prepare students for the world of work.

Michael added: “Young people’s experiences are heavily shaped by their immediate networks. 

“Being able to showcase other experiences helps develop a broader understanding of business.

“In the short term, it’s valuable for the students.

“In the longer term, they go on to develop their own careers – whether within engineering or in leadership roles that support the sector and the wider North East economy.”

Katherine Leonard, development manager at Dame Allan’s Schools, added: “We want Dame Allan’s Connect to continue growing in a way that gives our pupils and alumni meaningful, relevant opportunities to engage with industry.

“Visits like this are an important part of that – helping to strengthen the connection between education and the workplace, and giving our pupils a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.