A Student Perspective on Engineering Innovation with SOLIDWORKS

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Today’s story is written by my colleague, Valerie Lécolle, SOLIDWORKS EDU Expert, with collaboration from Amy Clark, Azan Javed, Millie Brown, Ella Woodburn & Ellen Buchanan, interns of NMIS and Callum Penman from our VAR TMS.

The path to innovation in engineering requires both skill and inspiration. For students just beginning their journeys into the world of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), exposure to advanced tools like SOLIDWORKS can open doors to an incredible range of possibilities. At the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)- who is driving the future of manufacturing through innovation- internships create a unique environment where budding engineers develop their skills, tackle ambitious projects, and prepare for impactful careers.

From aeromechanics to biomedical engineering, the perspectives captured from NMIS interns offer a fascinating glimpse into the power of technology, creativity, and mentorship in shaping the next generation of engineers.

Lessons from New CAD Users

Unlike seasoned professionals who have spent years mastering SOLIDWORKS, NMIS interns bring a fresh perspective to the software. Many of them are early in their CAD careers, and their insights highlight the accessibility and usability of SOLIDWORKS for new users.

Some of the interns have been interviewed, and they spoke highly of the software’s intuitive functionality and its standing as the industry standard. It wasn’t just a tool in their academic endeavors, it became a gateway to bold, real-world applications. They shared tips for mastering the learning curve, emphasizing practical methods and study techniques that proved especially effective for novice users.

Equally striking was their genuine enthusiasm for learning and creating. Their passion was evident in every project they described, reflecting an eagerness to bridge theoretical education with real-world problem-solving.

Transformative Projects

Internships at NMIS have facilitated some truly remarkable projects, showcasing SOLIDWORKS as a catalyst for achievement across engineering disciplines. For Ellen Buchanan, an aeromechanical engineering student, her impact came in the shape of rocket fins. Ellen used SOLIDWORKS to design and 3D print carbon fiber rocket fins, combining precision engineering and cutting-edge materials to craft components critical to rocket performance. Her dedication to this project will undoubtedly serve her well in her future engineering endeavors.

Ellen’s project – Carbon fibre rocket fins designed with SOLIDWORKS

Another standout example is Ella Woodburn, a biomedical engineering student who utilized SOLIDWORKS to create detailed anatomical models such as phantom heads and ribs. Ella’s skills highlight how the software supports different branches of engineering, moving seamlessly from mechanical design to biomedical innovation.

However, Ella’s NMIS experience extended beyond her primary academic focus. Through her internship, she joined the Skills Academy and collaborated with the marketing team to develop content encouraging younger generations to explore STEM fields. This dual focus broadens her professional abilities and showcases the diverse, transferable skills one can gain through internships.

A World of Opportunities

NMIS facilities provide an unparalleled learning environment for interns. Students work with cutting-edge machinery and labs that replicate professional engineering environments. These hands-on experiences equip them with practical, applicable skills to jumpstart their careers.

Positive feedback from the interns paints a vibrant picture of their time at NMIS. From praise for the supportive teams to excitement about sharing their achievements, it’s clear that these internships make a profound impact. One student emphasized their gratitude for connections made during the experience, while others celebrated NMIS as a pivotal contributor to their career aspirations.

Among the many accomplishments shared, one of the most notable was Ellen Buchanan and Millie Brown’s participation in the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). Traveling to Texas, these talented interns competed on a global stage alongside 150 university teams, designing and launching high-powered rockets. The experience was not only a highlight of their academic careers but a powerful testament to what students can achieve with the right resources and support.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Engineers

For teachers, the stories of Ellen, Ella, and their fellow interns underscore how valuable it is to connect students with hands-on opportunities like those offered at NMIS. These internships provide more than technical skills, they promote problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges and innovations of the engineering profession.

If you have students interested in exploring their potential through an internship, encourage them to seek out programs that leverage tools like SOLIDWORKS and provide access to world-class facilities. Opportunities like these not only shape careers but ignite passion and lifelong confidence.

Let’s go on encouraging tomorrow’s engineers to explore, innovate, and lead with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Thank you to Callum Penman -from our VAR TMS – for his great contribution to this article. Thank you Valerie for sharing this story with the SOLIDWORKS community.

Design well.  Marie

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1