T-Level trip a blast for learners

A day trip to a research and testing facility went off with a bang for students on our new engineering T-Level.

The group – the first intake of learners on our T-Level in Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing which launched last autumn – visited DNV in Spadeadam as part of a series of site visits.

The firm has played a major role in research activities following major incidents such as Flixborough, Buncefield and Piper Alpha which helps understanding of the nature of fire and explosion events.

It also tests passive fire protection materials in its jet fire facility, offers forensic investigation into domestic or commercial gas explosions and carries out gas and explosion testing in its 9m explosion chamber.

T-Level Tutor Neville Sterling said the explosions demonstrated during the visit were “surprisingly very loud”, adding: “All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the visit – the students were fully engaged and excited by the demonstrations.”

One member of the group said: “It was a unique experience. I was particularly interested by the higher-level explosion when trapped in a garage sized room. It was also interesting to see the variety of jobs as research site like that could offer. Overall the trip was informative, entertaining and exciting.”

The T-Level cohort has been engaged in a number of site visits to improve the students’ knowledge of the engineering industry as well as give them insight into careers and apprenticeships that are available.

SWDT is joining schools, colleges and training providers across the country to celebrate National Careers Week – today is T-Level Tuesday. More information about the our T-Level in Maintenance, Installation & Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing can be found on the attached leaflet.

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