Two promising Engineering students at Walsall College are using their passion and talents to launch their own commercial enterprise creating 3D products for businesses. Level 2 students, Ashley Mullen and Artjoms Semjonovs, both aged 17, have joined forces to set up their own company, ReSpace, and are being supported by the college to develop their business and enterprise skills alongside their course.
The college invested in a new 3D printer this year and both students were excited by the variety of useable products that could be created with it, that it sparked the idea for their new business venture.
Ashley said: “So far we’ve had a few small commissions from clients which has helped us to slowly build up the business while we find our feet. We’ve had requests to create coasters and mobile phone holders, but the opportunities of what we can produce through the machine are endless.
“We start by coming up with designs using CAD software, before adding in the materials and programming the printer to turn our designs into a reality.”
Artjom commented: “As well as developing CAD and engineering skills we are also learning a lot of new business skills including how to cost projects and market our business. Setting up a business while still at college is ideal as we are benefitting from a lot of support and guidance, which will only help to boost our future prospects.”
Curriculum Manager for Engineering at Walsall College, Andy Thompson, said: “This is a great example of the exciting and creative opportunities that studying engineering can lead to and how much relevance the industry has in today’s world. It also helps to dispel the common myth that all engineers wear overalls and are generally covered in oil.”
Ashley was inspired to study engineering by his dad who has worked in the sector most of his life. He said: “I’ve grown up around the industry and have always been a very practical person with an interest in technology who enjoys making things, so an engineering course seemed like the ideal route to take. Now by setting up this business I can make almost anything imaginable!”
