T Level Students Bring End-of-Life Equipment Back to Life at Agemaspark

Agemaspark, a leader in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing, is celebrating the progress of its two T Level students after they successfully completed a real-world engineering challenge set by the company’s Managing Director.

Charlotte Thompson and Louis Simpson, both 17 and students at Doncaster UTC, have been undertaking their industry placement at Agemaspark as part of their T Level in Engineering. Since first joining the business in Spring 2025, the pair have gone from learning core manufacturing processes to delivering a fully reconfigured piece of working automation equipment.

As part of a project set by Managing Director Paul Stockhill, the students were tasked with stripping down an electrical automation system that had reached the end of its life with a client. Rather than being scrapped, the equipment was donated to Charlotte and Louis with a clear challenge: design and build a new working automated assembly that Agemaspark can use at exhibitions to engage young people considering a career in engineering.

Working under the supervision of Agemaspark’s engineering team, the students dismantled the original system, developed a new concept, and re-engineered the equipment into a functional demonstration unit. This involved redesigning components, manufacturing new parts, and reconfiguring the automation to create a safe, engaging and practical piece of kit that showcases modern engineering in action.

The project is a strong example of the type of meaningful, employer-led experience that T Level students can access at Agemaspark, combining problem-solving, design, manufacturing and teamwork in a live industrial environment.

Paul Stockhill, Managing Director at Agemaspark, said:
“This project is exactly what T Levels are about. Charlotte and Louis were given a real engineering challenge, and they approached it with enthusiasm, creativity and professionalism. They didn’t just observe – they designed, built and delivered something we can genuinely use as a business. It’s been fantastic to see how much they’ve developed since they first joined us.”

Charlotte and Louis have continued to build on the experience gained during their earlier placement, where they worked across CAD, CNC machining, 3D metal printing and toolmaking. The automation project has allowed them to see a piece of engineering through from concept to completion, while understanding how engineering businesses can inspire the next generation.

Jim Semmelroth, Principal at Doncaster UTC, said:
“This project demonstrates the real value of industry placements and strong employer partnerships. Charlotte and Louis have applied their technical learning in a challenging, authentic environment, gaining skills and confidence that will stay with them throughout their careers. Agemaspark’s commitment to our students and to developing future engineers is outstanding.”

Charlotte and Louis will now continue their T Level studies at Doncaster UTC and are on track to complete their T Level in Engineering in summer 2026. Having now completed their industry placement with Agemaspark, they leave with valuable real-world experience, and a deeper understanding of how their skills can be applied within a precision engineering and advanced manufacturing environment.

The collaboration between Agemaspark and Doncaster UTC highlights how high-quality T Level placements can deliver real benefits for students, employers and the wider engineering sector – developing practical skills today while inspiring the engineers of tomorrow.