Southco engineering company
Number of students 7
Links to Gatsby Benchmarks 1,2,3,4,5, & 6
Increase employer engagement
Workings of a workplace
Raise students’ aspiration
Raising industry sectors profile and appeal to students
Providing LMI learning Future apprenticeships
Aim of the activity
Southco is a global engineering and manufacturing company specialising in access hardware—products like latches, hinges, locks, and fasteners that are used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, technology, medical devices, and transport. Their work combines precision engineering, design, manufacturing, and quality control.
On the factory floor, students observe how products are made using:
CNC machines
Injection moulding
Automated assembly
Quality inspection processes
They learn that manufacturing engineers ensure production runs smoothly and efficiently, and quality engineers check products to exact standards.
Jack highlighted the skills used within the workplace: attention to detail, technical precision, safety awareness, machine operation.
Impact of activity
Students watch how design engineers use 3D CAD software to model new products.
They learn that engineers at Southco:
Create prototypes using 3D printing
Test designs to meet customer needs
Work in teams to solve problems such as reducing product weight or increasing durability
The group meets current apprentices who explain
Why they chose an apprenticeship
What their day-to-day responsibilities are
How they balance hands-on work with college learning
Career progression opportunities
Students learn that Southco offers pathways such as:
Engineering Apprenticeships
Manufacturing Technician Training
Quality Control Trainee roles
Engineering Degree Apprenticeships
Quotes from Students
‘How much does an apprenticeship earn’
‘Does the machine work all the time’
‘Why has the room got temperatures displayed’
The machines need ventilation, so we have temperature gauges to ensure that the room is not overheating.’
‘How does the robot arm know to move’
Teacher Feedback
The visit offered an invaluable opportunity to see how engineering theory translates into practice. It highlighted the diversity of roles within manufacturing and the importance of innovation in maintain global competitiveness. A few students expressed an interest in pursuing a career in manufacturing engineering.
