Newcastle Greenpower Partnership launched

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has joined forces with Wolstanton High School and Martec Training to help inspire the engineers of the future.

The three organisations have formed the ‘Newcastle Greenpower Partnership’ to help raise interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects within schools and further education.

The Partnership launch event took place on Tuesday 27 March at NULC, where staff and students from the three organisations will come together for a day of activities including presentations and workshops.

Students were also treated to a special talk from 17-year-old Formula BMW racing driver Jake Dalton, a current student at NULC.

Paula Rowland, Curriculum Manager for Construction and Engineering at NULC said: “Through the project we want to make engineering inspirational, motivational and fun. We aim to demonstrate the importance of engineering in industry and associated STEM subjects to solve everyday problems.”

Paula continued: “The students involved will gain an improved understanding of engineering and how it can be a relevant and dynamic career choice.”

The project will last approximately 12 months during which the three organisations will work collaboratively to design, develop and manufacture an electric Greenpower racing car; a challenge that once completed will see the Newcastle Greenpower Team compete against other schools and colleges in racing events across the UK.

 The designing and development of the car will be carried out at Wolstanton High School using Science, Technology and Maths to present concepts and ideas involving aerodynamics, material properties, sizes and acceleration.

The fabrication of components will be engineered at NULC’s dedicated Skills and Technology Centre by engineering students. The final assembly of the car will be completed at MARTEC training by motor vehicle apprentices.

To find out more about the range of Engineering courses available at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Engineering Apprentices meet HRH the Duke of York

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York to its campus.

The Duke of York visited NULC to help promote the work of colleges in providing high quality apprenticeships, work-based learning and business skills development.

After meeting local dignitaries in the College reception area, His Royal Highness was given a tour of the College by NULC Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley.

The visit formed part of The Duke of York's work to encourage and inspire young people to develop the right skills, and to recognise and support the many apprenticeship schemes that are developing as a part of the Government's Skills and Innovation agenda.

He told students he hoped the College could help inspire them to "be more than you think you can be". The Duke of York added: "I can assure all of you young people that you have a great deal more potential than you probably realise or understand. Over the last 10 years I've been doing a huge amount for British business and I will continue to do so, because I believe in it, and I also believe you young people are the future of it."

His Royal Highness visited the College's £6 million Skills and Technology Centre and was given a tour of the mechanical engineering workshop by Paula Rowland, Curriculum Manager for Construction and Engineering.

He talked to apprentices from companies including: Michelin, Goodwins International, ABB, JCB, Ibstock Brick, EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel), Ham Baker and TT Pumps and was given a demonstration of the College's Lincoln Electric Vrtex virtual welding machine, the only one of its kind in the area.

During the tour His Royal Highness met with apprentices including Adam Hedges aged 23 from Kidsgrove.  Adam is studying an Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering and works at Supermarine Aero Engineering in Burselm who restore and maintain the Ministry of Defence’s fleet of Second World War aeroplanes.  Adam said: “It was a real honour to meet the Duke, he took a real interest in the work we do as apprentice engineers.”

The Duke of York then visited the construction workshops and awarded prizes to the winning team of bricklaying, joinery and painting and decorating students, who had been competing in the inaugural 'Barratt Challenge', in partnership with Britain's largest house builder Barratt Homes.

Principal Karen Dobson said: "I'm very pleased that the Duke's visit has shone a spotlight on the work that we are not necessarily well known for, in terms of our work for employers with apprenticeships and skills training."

"I am very proud of the staff that helped pulled everything together and of course all the students who have done themselves real credit."


Find out more about the wide range of courses available for students of all ages, interests and skill levels at NULC at http://www.nulc.ac.uk/, email info@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254254.