Live entertainment lighting control specialist Eaton has enabled the University of South Wales (USW) to enjoy the power and flexibility of a Zero 88 FLX console which has been added to their line-up of lighting control options.
This increases their stock of Zero 88 products, which already includes distributed dimming (both Alphapack and Betapack) and manual control of their new 1:8 scale mini rig from a Jester 12/24.
Eaton is also supporting modules on USW’s BSc “Lighting Design and Technology” and “Live Event Technology” courses.
First year students visit the Welsh factory in Cwmbran as part of their “Introduction to Lighting” module; while second years sit the “Control Technology” module that has been developed by the Zero 88 team. For the first time, final year students can work with Eaton employees during their “Group Projects” module, where they must design and produce a piece of hardware or software, supported by a marketing strategy.
Stuart Green, Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Lighting Design and Technology, said: “We are pleased to be working with Eaton, a locally based company with global reach in the lighting and live event industry. The partnership enables our students to gain a variety of experiences, from work placements to having access to industry standard equipment and the latest expertise, all of this helps to prepare them for an industry career on graduation”.
Eaton has also welcomed USW “year in industry” placement student, Edward Smith, to the Zero 88 team. Edward explained: “Placements make perfect sense; as well as providing skills and training opportunities, it gives a good and realistic idea of the job options on graduation.”
During this ‘sandwich’ placement, Edward has fulfilled a product support role. “I run console demonstrations, training sessions, and answer queries from customers. I also beta test console software and report any issues that may be present, along with suggesting new features.”
Zero 88 Product Manager, Jon Hole, said: “We’ve had close connections with the University of South Wales, and affiliated RWCMD, for over a decade. In the Zero 88 office alone, 13 of us have backgrounds at USW covering a diversity of courses including Lighting Design, Stage Management, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Human Resource Management and Accounting & Finance. We’re determined to continue strengthening this highly productive relationship even further.”
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