Engineering with Purpose: Sheunesu Toro Reflects on His Archipelago Placement

Fraser Chesterman of Future Print continues his series of interviews with postgraduate placement students at Archipelago Technology. In this second video, he speaks with Sheunesu Toro, who recently completed a two-week placement at the company in Cambridge as part of his one-year ISMM (Industrial Systems, Manufacture and Management) Course at the Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Sheunesu came to the UK to gain first-hand experience working with a technology scale-up. At Archipelago, he focused on understanding the regulatory requirements for setting up a pilot plant for the company’s coating line. He highlighted how the experience brought to light the real-world responsibilities of getting a product to market—something rarely covered in the classroom.

Sheunesu was very impressed by the structured, methodical approach Archipelago takes to scale-up and innovation. He observed that careful planning and timing are key to their progress, and it's a mindset he plans to carry forward in his own career. Reflecting on his experience, Sheunesu spoke about the broader impact engineers have through their decisions: inventions and innovations don’t exist in isolation—they influence lives, industries, and the planet.

As Sheunesu continues his career, he leaves Archipelago with a deeper appreciation for the regulatory landscape, product responsibility, and the importance of purpose-driven innovation.