Local students compete to be KBC’s new trainees

Three students from the Leigh UTC are competing to become the next trainees appointed by KBC Networks at The Nucleus Business and Innovation Centre.

The challenge, set by Clinton Bessesem, Head of Research and Development for KBC, has been taken-up by 23 students worldwide and Sweety Rekhi, Director of Computer Science at The Leigh UTC, is hopeful that students from the STEM specialised school will make the grade.

KBC Networks is looking to take on two trainees who would work alongside Mr. Bessesem at the company’s technology lab based on The Bridge. The challenge set by KBC is designed to evaluate the students’ technical aptitude and level of curiosity and involves getting two remote devices to work together to a specific brief.

Oliver Barnes aged 17 from Newbarn, Joseph Fasogbon 19 from Abbey Wood and George Waterman aged 18 from Swanscombe have all embraced the challenge and are looking forward to presenting their ideas to Mr Bessesem in the near future.

“I am excited about the opportunity and working on this challenge has been invaluable and has helped me improve my thinking skills and technical ability,” said Oliver.

As a newcomer to the school, Sweety Rekhi has been impressed by the support offered by businesses on The Bridge and the dedication and commitment shown by the students:

“The environment in which the school sits is a great breeding ground for creativity and the support shown by local businesses is really valuable,” Sweety said. “I chose Leigh UTC because it is a specialist school with a great reputation,” Joseph said. ”Being given the opportunity to work on a challenge related to an area I want to work in has been a great opportunity.”