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At Ron Dearing UTC in Hull, engineering students have been immersed in the world of workplace safety with invaluable lessons from safety experts. During Engineering Safety Week, the renowned safety specialist, Arco, conducted enlightening workshops at the city centre school.
The interactive experience included an area dedicated to virtual reality (VR) along with a competition that emphasized safety while working at heights. Throughout the day, Arco representatives facilitated a series of back-to-back sessions for students ranging from Year 10 to Year 13. A thrilling competition unfolded as students competed to fasten a safety harness in the shortest time possible. A ‘Top Gear’ inspired leaderboard tracked their progress, with a £50 Arco voucher awarded to the swiftest student.
Following the competition, students were equipped with VR headsets and transported to various work-at-height scenarios. These virtual experiences allowed them to grasp the safety measures and potential hazards associated with high-risk environments. Iconic structures such as Blackpool Tower and the local landmark, The Deep, served as virtual backdrops for these scenarios.
The VR experiences proved to be an exciting and engaging method for students to comprehend the critical nature of workplace safety. “The students thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality experiences, gaining insight into the dangers present in high-risk environments, all within a secure and interactive setting. Their curiosity was evident as many posed questions and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore potential careers with Arco. The event was a significant success, and there’s a keen anticipation for future visits,” shared an enthusiastic participant.
For the students, the day offered practical insights into how health and safety principles are applied in industrial settings and underscored their importance in daily life. As a key partner of Ron Dearing UTC since its inception in 2017, Arco has significantly contributed to bridging the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills gap in collaboration with the college.
Earlier in the year, Arco generously donated personal protective equipment (PPE) for students’ workshop sessions, which included lab coats, safety shoes, and safety glasses. The company also took an active role in branding the school’s workshop and digital lab spaces.
Health and safety consciousness is interwoven throughout the engineering curriculum at Ron Dearing UTC. Hosting a leading figure in the industry like Arco enhances the school’s already robust employer-led curriculum, providing students with an enriching educational experience.
In summary, the collaboration with Arco offers young learners at Ron Dearing UTC an invaluable glimpse into the real-world application of health and safety practices within engineering fields, thereby supporting a more informed and safety-conscious future workforce.
