[L]ast week Lakes College hosted the Elements programme with UTC students working on the Big Rig in the construction centre.
The students took part in the programme from Monday-Friday which involved a variety of tasks including: rig tours, presentations from local companies, work book collation, job briefs, challenge planning and assessments.
Ali Kirk a fourteen year old student at UTC from Seaton shared her experience of the programme: “I have found this week very useful, parts of it have been tough (especially overcoming my fear of heights) but I have learned a lot and have enjoyed working as part of a team with people I wouldn’t necessary work with in normal circumstances.” Ali would like to become a marine engineer in the future and plans to join the NAVY after school.
Catherine Coleman (Workplace Co-Ordinator and Learning Support Assistant) from UTC praised the programme: “The week has been a brilliant experience for the students as it has provided them with an incite into what it’s like working in the Nuclear industry. The students have built up their confidence throughout the week, developing both their communication and team building skills. We have students with special needs on the programme who have been included in the whole process from start to finish and found it highly beneficial. I would recommend the Big Rig to other local schools and businesses.”
The Big Rig provides learners with hands on experience on a simulation evaporation Rig under the conditions found on a nuclear licensed site. Learners on the rig assemble, commission and operate a mock-up of a real engineered system from the nuclear energy generation lifecycle, be it the primary loop from a new-build station or an evaporator unit from a processing plant.
This facility is the biggest training rig in the UK and is the only Rig created solely for the nuclear industry. We offer a range of experiential and accredited short courses on the rig covering areas such as: Leadership, team leading and project management, health and safety and human performance, team working and communications, team building, graduate and apprentice training, cost estimation and planning and work experience.
To find out more information on Big Rig or to book the facilities for your school or college please contact Victoria Morgan at Lakes College.
