The University College Isle of Man’s (UCM) engineering department’s students put their talents to the test at the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre (AMTC) in Hills Meadow this week.

The annual skills test event offers students an opportunity to not only demonstrate their trade talents, but also to celebrate and recognise the complexities of vocational qualifications.

This year, the spotlight was on the course’s 26 first and second-year students.

Engineering assistant programme manager John Cashin explained: ’The engineering skills test is designed to challenge students to understand drawings and plan for an effective and efficient manufacture of a component within a restricted time.

’Competitors are observed by judges and representatives from local industries, so it is a great opportunity for students to show off their skills to potential employers.’

Students competed in two areas, manual milling/turning and CNC turning/milling, both of which are common machining processes in the manufacturing industry.

Now in its third year the tests also provide family, friends and members of the public with the chance to come and visit the engineering facility.

UCM principal Jo Pretty said: ’Skills training is very important for the island’s economy and the annual skills test gives students and apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate their strengths and build their confidence in pressured and time constrained environments.

’This year they have really risen to the challenge.

’It is great to work closely with employers on our programme content and to have their engagement and support in this event.’

Cash prizes for this year’s event, were donated by local engineering and manufacturing businesses: Swagelok, Strix Technology, Triumph Integrated Systems, Target Tools and RLC-Ronaldsway.

Winners of this year’s competition are as below: Best Overall Student: Thomas Young; First place - Turning: Byron Mckellar; First place - Milling: Stephanie Christian; First place - CNC Milling: Jacob Leece; First place - CNC Turning: Josh Blackburn.