I'm an engineer, Get me out of Here!

NULC Engineering students have been involved with a pilot project called 'I'm an engineer, Get me out of Here!'. 

I’m an Engineer, Get me out of Here! is running for the first time in March 2012, during National Science and Engineering Week. It aims to get students talking to real engineers, online, like its sister project I’m a Scientist, Get me out of Here!

Alex Carter, Curriculum Leader in Construction & Engineering, explains the project: “It’s an online event where you get to meet and interact with real engineers.  It's in the form of an X-factor style competition between the engineers.” 

She continued: ‘Using computers the students submit questions and the engineers answer them.  I also booked an online chat with them so the students could get into interesting conversations and then vote for the engineer that they wanted to win.”

Alex took the time to research Engineers that she felt her students would benefit from chatting to most. She said: “I chose the engineers in the high performance zone and there were five engineers whose daily jobs take them to new heights and push engineering boundaries, as I felt they would appeal to the students most and provide them with aspirations.”

The project has proved popular with both students and the expert engineers taking part.  Alex commented: “One of the engineers said he'd had the most awesome chat with my students that they clearly enjoyed, and got a lot out of it.”

To find out more about 'I'm an engineer, Get me out of Here!' click here.

If you’re interested in studying Engineering at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

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.

NULC students invited to RAF Cosford

Following on from a two day workshop provided by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in November, Construction and Engineering students from NULC have been invited to RAF Cosford to take part in a range of activities.

On Thursday 23 February a number of students will travel to the Shropshire Air Base where they will have the opportunity to meet Sergeant Ian Pringle, from the RAF Motivational Outreach Team who has previously visited the College to provide workshops to Construction and Engineering students. 

Whilst at RAF Cosford the students will spend the morning on the Low Ropes facility followed by lunch in the Junior Ranks Mess.  During the afternoon the students will have time to tour the RAF Museum.

The RAF has been working with students to showcase the types of careers open to them once completing their studies at NULC.

Rob Sproson, lecturer in Construction at NULC said: “The students are very excited about the visit to RAF Cosford.  They’ve been provided with a kit list and are spending time preparing for the visit.”

He continued: “The RAF and in particular Sergeant Ian Pringle have been brilliant and have dedicated valuable time and resources to the students here at NULC, the students have found the sessions they have already attended very inspirational.”

Click here to find out more about Engineering and Construction courses at NULC.

To find out more about the range of careers available in the RAF click here.

RAF students inspire students

Engineering and Construction students at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) were invited to take part in two days of workshops with the Royal Air Force (RAF).  The aim of the workshops was to advise students in the types of careers open to them once completing their studies at NULC.

The workshop is an annual event which consists of various team and skill building exercises including physical activities and communication activities.  The workshops are organised by lecturers Rob Sproson and Paul Glover, who this year decided to extend the workshops in to a two day event due to popular demand.

Pictured: Students taking part in team building activities.

Sergeant Ian Pringle, from the RAF Motivational Outreach Team said: “The purpose of the last few days was to work on building the team and communication skills of the students. The students have completed a range of challenges to help them to develop and understand the personal skills that are required for a career in the military.”

He continued: “The students at NULC have shown great potential and the activities today have opened their eyes to what is available from a military career.”

Pictured: Electrical Installations student Joshua Clayton wearing combat uniform.

Future opportunities for NULC students to attend a training day at RAF Cosford in Shropshire are also being discussed.

Click here to find out more about Engineering and Construction courses at NULC.

To find out more about the range of careers available in the RAF click here.

NULC Skills Squad visit International Finals of WorldSkills

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College’s (NULC) recently formed Skills Squad enjoyed a visit to the International Finals of the WorldSkills competitions in London.

The Skills Squad were joined by staff and mentors as they visited Excel in London on Thursday 6 October.  The inspiring visit was organised to show the Skills Squad the types of competitions and awards they could be eligible to enter in the future.

Pictured: NULC Skills Squad and staff.

The NULC Skills Squad is made up of 18 talented vocational students who have been identified through a range of competitive activities organised within individual faculties.  The current Skills Squad is made up of students studying vocational courses in Hair and Beauty, Construction, Engineering and Care.

Picture: NULC Skills Squad explore the International Finals of the WorldSkills competitions in London.

Members of the NULC Skills Squad receive an array of support from the College in recognition of their talent and to support them in their future entry into the WorldSkills UK competitions.

The NULC Skills Squad will be showcasing their talents by providing demonstrations and hands on activities to prospective students at Open Events throughout the year.

Pictured: Japanese entrant in this years WorldSkills Competition displaying their work.

Apprentices awarded for their achievements

On Thursday 23 June the Engineering Apprenticeship Awards took place at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC). This is the first time the awards have been held at the College's new £60 million campus.

The awards ceremony was attended by various members of the Engineering industry.  Four awards were presented to students in recognision of their hard work and achievements during their Engineering Apprenticeships. 

Achievement Award - Christopher Niewiadomski

Improvement Award - James Elphinstone

Progress Achievement Award - James Christmas

Apprentice of the Year Award - Christopher Maddox

The awards were presented to students by Peter Bidden, President of Stoke-on-Trent Association of Engineers and Karen Dobson, Principal of NULC.

To find out more about Engineering courses at NULC click here.

To find out more about the range of Apprenticeships availabe at NULC click here.