At NMITE, we believe that true learning happens beyond the classroom. As part of their final Level 5 module – E5011 Statics and Dynamics of Complex Mechanisms, students from the 2309 cohort had the opportunity to take their skills into the real world with an industry visit to ABT Loadmac, their Challenge Partner for this module.
The challenge
ABT Loadmac set the NMITE students an exciting real-world engineering challenge: designing and selecting materials for a roll bar for a dump truck. This hands-on task required students to apply their theoretical knowledge in mechanics, material selection, and structural integrity, reinforcing NMITE’s commitment to challenge-based learning.
The manufacturing journey
The visit to ABT Loadmac was much more than just a factory tour—it was an immersive learning experience where students gained first-hand insight into real-world manufacturing and engineering processes. They followed the entire production journey, engaging with professionals across multiple disciplines:
Speaking with CAD designers to understand the design phase and how initial concepts take shape.
Exploring the goods-in process to see how raw materials are managed and prepared for production.
Witnessing assembly and commissioning, watching how various components come together to form a final product.
Observing final vehicle testing, where safety, durability, and performance are evaluated before deployment.
A highlight of the visit was an exciting live demonstration of Loadmac’s truck-mounted forklifts in action—including a few impressive manoeuvring tricks, or as the students called them, donuts!
Industry insights and career guidance
Beyond the technical aspects, the visit also provided valuable career insights. Tim Morris, Managing Director at Loadmac, shared his experiences working in the industry, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at life in an SME (small and medium-sized enterprise). His advice on career progression, industry expectations, and professional development gave students a deeper understanding of their future paths in engineering.
Bridging the gap between education and industry
This visit is just one of the many ways NMITE ensures students graduate as work-ready professionals. By engaging with real-world challenges, industry experts, and hands-on projects, our students gain the skills, confidence, and experience needed to excel in their careers.
As NMITE continues to redefine engineering education, opportunities like this provide students with practical experience that complements their academic studies—ensuring they don’t just learn about engineering but experience it first-hand.
Industry visits and real-world challenges play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of engineers. By partnering with leading industry professionals like ABT Loadmac, NMITE continues to bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
