Story by: Belinda Curran – HOD Technology
St Patrick’s College Silverstream – Hato Patariki Māwaihakona

Over the past two years the Engineering Department at St Patrick’s College for boys in Silverstream has been collaborating with Real Steel, an ever changing dynamic company which offers a wide range of career pathways from entry level positions for school leavers to mechatronic expert positions after university training. A company where all are working together to produce cutting edge technology for manufacturing components, to designing and building specialist machinery for industry.

Real Steel has been operating in the South Pacific Industrial Park since 2007 at 24 Railway Avenue, Upper Hutt: a local industry interested in giving back to the community and trying to change common misconceptions and perceptions of engineering as a career.

The Beginning of the Partnership

Luke Mathieson, the Managing Director of Real Steel, approached a number of high schools in the Upper Hutt vicinity in 2022. As the HOD Technology, I traded visits with Luke and it became apparent that our engineering department was operating with technology from the 1950’s and therefore not properly preparing students for a future pathway into the engineering profession. However, I had just upgraded our computer suite with the intention of engaging 3D software. So when Luke suggested a collaboration, we jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

Luke, myself, and Aaron Gamble (lead designer at Real Steel) met to discuss potential projects and thus the collaboration was born. Students were given the opportunity to build a toolbox and then go on to design a firepit.

Engineering Projects: Toolboxes and Firepits

The year starts off with the students learning how to build their toolbox using Solidworks, specifically the sheet metal function. This is a predetermined design and Real Steel has laser cut the sheet metal ready for us to fabricate and assemble, supplying the class set of parts. Without the ongoing support, guidance and technology of Real Steel, the students would not have had the opportunity to study and produce engineering components that reflect real-world experiences and learning. Real Steel generosity has enabled the boys to engage in tool box and firepit manufacturing at Level 1, and given them the opportunity to machine ‘stems’ and ‘triple clamps’ for the Level 2 mini bikes.

At the end of 2023, St Patrick’s College Silverstream (Stream) invested in purchasing the license for Solidworks, industry-standard software. Thanks to Aaron I managed to do a quick upskill over the summer and introduced the teaching and learning of Solidworks in our department’s curriculum. Students learnt how to use the basics of this program to create the toolbox and then they went on to utilise the knowledge to develop their own design of a firepit. We used Solidworks and our little laser cutter here at Stream to do some rapid prototyping of scale 1:1 cardboard model firepits.

Aaron was available to help me if there was anything I needed, which gave me the confidence to embark on this venture. It was a privilege to have access to such valuable knowledge and I would like to thank Aaron and Luke for their continued support.

Aaron Gamble (Head Designer) and Luke Mathieson (Managing Director) of Real Steel discuss design ideas with Lukas Lafrentz in Design Metalwork class (DSM100), providing feedback on student laser cut cardboard models before the designs go to Real Steel to be cut and formed. Once the designs were signed off by Aaron, the students then prepared their digital files for industry. There is a very specific criteria required as the machinist on the factory floor will need to use these files to produce the outcomes the students want making this great real world learning for these lads.

Through this incredibly generous collaboration with Real Steel students are able to produce some quality outcomes.

The Real Steel Manufacturing Process

Luke Mathieson, the Managing Director of Real Steel, has stepped in and lifted our engineering department out of the 1950’s and brought us into the 21st century. A specific goal of Luke’s from the onset of this collaboration was to increase the number of students opting for this subject area. Over previous years about 25% of Level 1 students progressed into Level 2. With Luke’s involvement we now have a 95% return and expect that to be our ‘new normal’ as our relationship with Real Steel develops.

As we engage a wider range of students into engineering with the support of industry, future collaboration with the Physics department will see students design their own electric vehicle. This will result in budding mechanical engineering students who have the opportunity to develop their skills in class and in Hutt Valley local industries.

It has been a great opportunity for the students to see their skills in action, and for them to experience a workplace where every member of the team is happy in their work and Real Steel offers encouragement at every step. It is a privilege to work alongside the team at Real Steel.

Conclusion: A Message for Other Teachers

As we continue to develop our partnership with Real Steel, it’s clear that collaboration with industry is an invaluable experience for students. For other teachers considering similar partnerships, my advice is to seize the opportunity to connect with local businesses and industries. These collaborations enrich the learning experience and also open up pathways for students to engage in real-world projects that equip them with the skills they need for future careers. The support and knowledge shared by industry partners can have a profound impact on students’ learning journeys, and it’s a privilege to work alongside them.