Sony Launches Innovative Apprenticeship Scheme
Sony UK Technology Centre, one of Wales’ leading manufacturers, is calling on innovative, driven, and passionate individuals to sign up for its new apprenticeship. Sony UK TEC Apprenticeship scheme, which is now in its sixth consecutive year, officially launched on February 1st with applicants encouraged to apply before the February 28th closing date. The industry-leading initiative supports career-driven individuals to further their education and gain qualifications throughout the scheme. The company’s onsite academy drives and coordinates their full studies, all while the apprentices gain invaluable working experience at one of the world’s leading manufacturing sites. During the four-year scheme apprentices will get the opportunity to work across a variety of departments, including Software Engineering, Production Engineering, and Development Engineering and Robotics. They will help to develop internationally renowned products including 4K broadcast technology, the Raspberry Pi, smart office solution Nimway, and smart city technology. Over 30 apprentices have taken part in the successful internal scheme since its inception, with all participants praising its diverse offering. Cecilia Fritz, Head of HR and Training Strategy said an apprenticeship with Sony UK TEC opens up a “vast wealth” of opportunity for any student looking to advance and develop their career. “Our apprenticeship is a thorough and diverse programme which offers new starters an in-depth insight into all aspects of Sony UK TEC’s highly successful engineering operation. We believe that this varied approach creates highly skilled and well-rounded team players and opens up a vast wealth of opportunities to them within the industry as a result. At the end of their four years, they are fully equipped with the ability, and knowledge, to become some of the sector’s brightest engineering talents and to drive genuine progression in the fields of technology and manufacturing,” said Cecilia Fritz. To apply for a place in the Sony UK TEC Apprenticeship scheme applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs, including a B or above in Maths, and Cs or above in Science and English. Applications close at midnight on February 28th, with assessments due to take place on March 21st. Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
Oculus Rift Virtual Reality Headset Divides Fans
As if real life wasnât enough, this week saw the dawning of a new era in virtual reality with the release of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset on Monday. The first of its kind made to be available to consumers, Oculus Rift has attracted the hype of the tech savvy on the street and major tech executives alike and, the latest in VR technology could be yours for a princely $599 (equivalent to around £420). The launch was hugely anticipated following false starts and promises over two years. Following Facebookâs buy-out of the firm responsible for the pioneering software back in 2014 however, development of a prototype was quickly underway, and it seems Mark Zuckerberg may well have yet another success story on his hands. Or, not quite. Because despite being the first on the scene with an earlier release date than either HTC or Sonyâs attempts (due later this year), Oculus Rift has, for some, failed to live up to expectations. World leading technology review platform, CNET, is amongst those passing judgement on the VR headset and Senior Editor, Jeff Bakalar seems to suggest the technology is far from where it needs to be. Oculus can currently only detect head movement though customers can utilise a 3D functionality add-on later this year. He was nevertheless enthusiastic about the potential of VR in the future, even suggesting that it might be possible to project images directly to the retina rather than requiring customers to view images via a lens at a screen. In the here and now however, Bakalar suggests that HTCâs Vive virtual reality headset will offer the best overall experience for customers when itâs released later this month. Some reviewers have reported Ocula Riftâs virtual reality experience was nauseating while others have praised its ability to transport customers to another place, either world of film or gameplay. Criticisms have also been made against anything from its difficult interface to its too tight straps. Whatever the reaction, of course, itâs no doubt a reaction that Oculus Rift was after â particular when it put forward the release date. And though it might be flawed and later enhanced by either itself or other firms, Oculus Rift has sparked new attention for the VR sector and is sure to make waves in the real world.