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, the 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 and
Finance. We’re determined to continue strengthening this highly productive
relationship even further.’