The annual international engineering competition, which takes place each July at Silverstone, challenges students to design and build a single-seat formula car. Henkel has been a sponsor of the University of Hertfordshire since 1998, providing invaluable products and regular technical talks to the team.
Each academic year, a team of around 20 students embark on the project, dedicating countless hours to designing and building their car. The use of LOCTITE structural adhesives and thread lockers, particularly the LOCTITE 600 and 700 series, has been crucial throughout this year’s project. These products are commonly used in workshops for bonding and securing panels.
As a strong supporter of the University of Hertfordshire’s engineering courses for over two decades, LOCTITE constantly supplies students with ample resources to enhance their learning. The university boosted its theoretical approach this year by incorporating LOCTITE Xplore - LOCTITE’s e-learning platform for the training of industry professionals.
Commenting on the partnership, Dr Howard Ash, Principal Lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, said: "Practical, hands-on learning is incredibly valuable for the students. We aren’t teaching the next Lewis Hamilton, we’re creating the engineers that makes his car.
“The amount of new resources LOCTITE has introduced since I joined the university in 2005 has been staggering. The free eBooks, the LOCTITE Xplore online modules, and the talks they deliver to the students are first rate. With so much support, it really helps our students thrive.”
In November, LOCTITE hosted an interactive presentation for students, which included practical elements and hands-on experiences with LOCTITE product. This informal talk allowed students to engage directly with the materials, fostering a deeper understanding of their applications. Henkel’s free reign in determining the content of these learning sessions has been instrumental in keeping the curriculum dynamic and relevant.
George Hickey, Marketing and Customer Activation Manager at Henkel commented: "Our partnership with the University of Hertfordshire is long-standing, and we are always coming in and doing talks with the students.
“Fostering this relationship for over 20 years is a great source of pride for us. We want to play a pivotal role in training the engineers of the future, ensuring the industry has young talent for generations to come.”
The University of Hertfordshire’s engineering department offers a range of courses, including mechanical, automotive, and aerospace engineering, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. With the ongoing support of LOCTITE, the department continues to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their future careers.
