According to Theodore von Karman, Hungarian-American mathematician, aerospace engineer, and physicist: “Scientists study the world as it is; engineers create the world that has never been.” With this in mind, within the physics and engineering sector a commitment to continuous learning and development is imperative. Scanwel, provider of expert solutions in vacuum, surface, and nanoscience technology, understands its obligation to playing its part in this. The company is now in the process of developing a comprehensive training programme on different aspects of vacuum technology.
Development of the Scanwel Academy
The training programme will include modules on vacuum technology, such as: Introduction to Vacuum, Components in Vacuum, Deposition Techniques, Leak Detection, and High and Ultra High Vacuum Pumps. The aim is to give students with little or no experience a good grounding in the world of vacuum technology, plus give experienced users a useful refresher on the topics. Classes will be part classroom and part cleanroom, with hands-on training to complement the theory. There will be online resources available to participants and the company’s team of experts will be delivering seminars at its customers’ premises.
In addition to the company training programme being developed in house, and its existing programme of customer seminars, Scanwel also encourages its team to share their substantial knowledge with the next generation of physicists and engineers. Careers in physics can span almost every sector from manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, through to developing scientific breakthroughs like the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest and highest-energy particle collider. It is essential that the incumbents in the sector encourage and enthuse potential physicists and engineers to pursue a career in this challenging environment.
As part of this commitment, John O’Donnell, regional sales manager for Scanwel, has recently been appointed as lecturer of engineering at West College Scotland, teaching the basics of electronics to the students there.
Circle of learning
John explains: “I have been very fortunate in my career. I have had the opportunity to learn and develop throughout. After starting as an apprentice aged 17 with National Semiconductor, I have worked across the globe with different companies developing my experience and knowledge. One of the most important things I have learnt is that each customer is facing different challenges, often working with complex systems, so it is necessary to take the time to understand the project and listen to what the customer actually needs.
He continued: “I truly believe learning and development should continue throughout your career. I am delighted to share that I have been awarded with a Physics Post Graduate Certificate in Advanced Thin Film Technologies from the University of the West of Scotland, and my graduation will take place in November. In addition, I have been appointed as part-time Lecturer of Engineering, teaching the same class as I attended as a 17-year-old apprentice. I really appreciate having the opportunity to inspire the next generation to embark on a career in this fascinating arena.”
David Freeman, managing director at Scanwel, adds: “John joined us earlier this summer and he has brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. He also has a passion for learning, which reflects our own ethos at Scanwel. The forthcoming introduction of our academy is something I feel strongly about, and it is being designed to reinforce the lifelong learning ambitions of the sector.”
Scanwel in action
Scanwel prides itself on its ability to provide trusted solutions in vacuum, surface, and nanoscience technology, working with the customer and providing advice and on-site support where necessary. Its products find application in the production and development of advanced materials and processes in a number of high technology fields. This includes nanotechnology, microelectronics, storage media, energy production and bio-medical and basic materials research of metals, oxides, polymers, and coatings. For further information on Scanwel and its products, contact Katy Harrison, marketing manager at Scanwel: katy.harrison@scanwel.com