News
EMS Welcomes East Kent College Group Engineering Students to EMS Head Office
6th Oct 2026
Hands-On Engineering Experience and Future Placement Opportunities
EMS was delighted to welcome second-year engineering students from East Kent College Group’s Canterbury College to our headquarters in Herne Bay as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of engineers.
The visit provided students with a valuable insight into EMS, our engineering capabilities, and the role innovation plays in the development, testing and manufacture of our industry-leading wireless fire detection systems.
Students were introduced to the business and learned more about the processes involved in designing and delivering products that are relied upon in life safety applications across the UK and around the world.
The visit was supported by Alexandra Field, Industry Liaison Officer at Canterbury College, who works closely with local employers to help create valuable industry engagement and placement opportunities for students as they prepare for careers in industry.
Putting Engineering Skills to the Test
A key part of the visit was a practical workshop where each student was challenged to independently set up and test an EMS SmartCell wireless fire alarm system.
Working individually, students were required to configure and commission their own system, applying the engineering principles they have developed during their studies while demonstrating problem-solving, technical and diagnostic skills in a real-world environment.
The hands-on exercise gave students the opportunity to take ownership of the task and gain first-hand experience of the processes involved in testing and validating technology. By working directly with the equipment, they also developed a greater understanding of the importance of product testing and quality assurance within a modern engineering business.
While designed as a valuable learning experience, the workshop also enabled EMS engineers to observe how students approached technical challenges, followed processes and worked independently, providing an insight into the skills and attributes required within a professional engineering environment.
A Pathway into Industry
The visit also formed part of the selection process for T-Level industry placements within EMS.
Through the SmartCell workshop and their engagement throughout the day, students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their technical aptitude, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. Following the programme, EMS will select two students to undertake T-Level placements within our Engineering Test Team as part of their studies.
Testing plays a vital role within EMS, helping to ensure that every new product meets the high standards of performance, quality and reliability for which EMS is known. From validating new features and functionality to supporting product development and continuous improvement, the Engineering Test Team is instrumental in delivering the fit-and-forget reliability that customers have come to expect from EMS solutions.
Successful students will gain valuable workplace experience while contributing to real engineering activities and developing practical skills in a professional environment.
Supporting Future Engineers
At EMS, we recognise the importance of creating opportunities for young people to gain practical experience and develop the skills needed by industry.
Supporting students is nothing new for EMS. Over the years, we have welcomed and mentored T-Level students, school work experience students and university interns, helping them gain valuable insight into engineering, technology and the workplace. These programmes have consistently proven successful, benefiting both the students and the business while helping to nurture the next generation of engineering talent.
Our partnership with Canterbury College continues this commitment, providing students with meaningful exposure to a professional engineering environment and creating valuable pathways between education and employment.
We look forward to continuing our work with East Kent College Group and welcoming the successful students back to EMS as they begin their T-Level placements within our Engineering Test Team.
“After 30 years in the business, it’s great to see young people getting hands-on experience with real engineering challenges. What impressed me most wasn’t just the technical ability shown during the workshop, but the enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to learn.
Testing and quality assurance play a critical role in the products we develop, and the SmartCell exercise gave students a good insight into the importance of attention to detail, problem-solving and doing things properly.
We’re always looking to develop future engineering talent, and we’re looking forward to welcoming two students back to EMS for their T-Level placements and helping them take the next step in their engineering journey.”
Edward Saunders, Engineering Lead, EMS