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Pektron

Helping shape the future engineering workforce

Derby-based electronics design and manufacturing company Pektron is playing an active role in helping the University of Derby prepare students for careers in engineering, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

With more than 60 years of engineering expertise, Pektron develops advanced electronic solutions for customers across sectors including automotive, construction, agriculture and safety. With innovation and technical excellence at the heart of its work, Pektron supports customers from initial concept through to production.

Representing Pektron on the College of Science and Engineering Industry Advisory Board (IAB) is Steph Marshall Power, Head of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships and a University of Derby graduate.

Having built a career across the technology, engineering and manufacturing sectors since graduating from the University in 2001, Steph brings valuable insight into employer expectations, emerging industry trends and the skills needed by the future workforce.

Strengthening industry connections

Through its involvement with the Industry Advisory Board, Pektron helps ensure the College remains closely connected to industry needs and the rapidly evolving STEM landscape.

The company contributes employer perspectives that help inform curriculum development, student opportunities and future skills requirements, supporting the University's commitment to Industry Integration.

As part of this collaboration, Pektron shares insight into:

This ongoing dialogue helps students develop industry-relevant knowledge and a clearer understanding of how their studies translate into professional careers.

Supporting student opportunity

Pektron's partnership with the University extends beyond strategic conversations and into direct student engagement. The company has hosted undergraduate placement students, offering valuable hands-on experience within a real-world engineering environment.

Pektron has also welcomed a group of University of Derby students for an industry visit hosted by Steph, alongside colleagues including Chris Bussell and Nasser Sherratt. One of the students who attended subsequently secured a placement with the company, demonstrating the value of creating opportunities for students to engage directly with employers.

Pektron also regularly supports University careers activity, including engineering-focused careers fairs, helping students explore career pathways within the electronics and manufacturing sectors.

University of Derby student working on placement for Pektron.

Derby Graduates making an impact

The partnership is further strengthened by the number of University of Derby graduates who have built successful careers at Pektron.

University alumni currently working within the business include:

Their success demonstrates the strength of the University's talent pipeline and the opportunities available for graduates within Derby's engineering and technology sector.

Part of my role at Pektron involves engaging with external stakeholders to enhance the design and development of advanced electronics. Through the Industry Advisory Board, I help connect industry and academia, bringing an electronics perspective to discussions around curriculum development while highlighting opportunities for both students and employers...

Steph Marshall Power
Head of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Pektron

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Steph Marshall Power, Head of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Pektron, said:

"Part of my role at Pektron involves engaging with external stakeholders to enhance the design and development of advanced electronics. Through the Industry Advisory Board, I help connect industry and academia, bringing an electronics perspective to discussions around curriculum development while highlighting opportunities for both students and employers.

Derby is an innovative city with a thriving university, and we are all committed to developing the skilled engineers and innovators of the future."

Dr Chris Bussell

Partnerships with organisations such as Pektron play an important role in ensuring our students benefit from current industry insight and experience. Steph's contribution to the Industry Advisory Board helps strengthen the connection between education and industry...

Chris Bussell
Provost - Industry and Enterprise

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Chris Bussell, Provost - Industry and Enterprise, said:

"Partnerships with organisations such as Pektron play an important role in ensuring our students benefit from current industry insight and experience. Steph's contribution to the Industry Advisory Board helps strengthen the connection between education and industry, supporting our commitment to Industry Integration and helping prepare graduates for successful careers in engineering and technology."

Looking ahead

The partnership between Pektron and the University of Derby continues to create opportunities for collaboration around talent development, student experience and industry engagement. By bringing together academic expertise and employer insight, both organisations are helping to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed by the next generation of engineering professionals.

Derby Accord text graphic on dark blue backgroundBringing together employers, students and the University of Derby to support success, innovation and growth.Find out more about the Derby AccordFind out more about the Derby Accord

From University to industry

Placement student, Moveen talks about his experience at Pektron

University of Derby student Moveen stood giving an interview.

View placement student, Moveen's Pektron experience video transcript