Exploring Safety with Virtual Reality at Ron Dearing UTC
Engineering students at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have gained valuable insights into workplace safety, thanks to a hands-on experience provided by industry safety specialists. Arco, a leader in safety solutions, took an active role during the school’s Engineering Safety Week, offering unique workshops centered around cutting-edge technology and realistic learning scenarios.
During this educational initiative, students engaged with an interactive display area enhanced by virtual reality (VR), shedding light on the practical and essential aspects of safety in various working environments. The students’ experiences were enriched further through a stimulating challenge that emphasized the importance of working safely at heights.
Led by notable experts, sessions were conducted back-to-back, engaging students of different age groups, from Year 10 to Year 13. A particularly exciting moment was a competition designed to test the students’ speed and accuracy in wearing and securing safety harnesses. This contest, complete with a leaderboard akin to ‘Top Gear’, offered a £50 voucher for the fastest participant.
The inclusion of VR headsets allowed students an immersive experience into height-based work scenarios, helping them understand the fall risks and safety measures required. Through virtual journeys to high landmarks such as Blackpool Tower and the iconic The Deep in Hull, students could fully appreciate the precautions needed for high-risk tasks.
Students expressed their enthusiasm for the VR experiences, highlighting how this dynamic method of learning offered a glimpse into the challenges and realities of safety protocols in complex environments. The hands-on approach was not just about learning; it also sparked curiosity about future career opportunities within the safety sector.
Such initiatives provide students an understanding of the vital role that safety plays in their daily and future professional lives. These activities underscore the important work carried out by Ron Dearing UTC in preparing students for industry demands and safety-conscious practices.
Arco’s longstanding partnership with Ron Dearing UTC has been instrumental since the college’s inception, backing the college’s mission to bridge the skills gap in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) fields. Earlier initiatives saw donations of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lab coats, safety footwear, and safety glasses, to bolster student training sessions.
The enriching collaboration also includes branding opportunities within the UTC’s workshop and digital spaces, bringing an authentic industry feel to the educational environment. This partnership not only broadens students’ horizons but aligns directly with the college’s employer-led curriculum, which underpins health and safety awareness as a pivotal component across engineering disciplines.
By integrating real-world safety expertise into the school setting, Arco provides a unique lens into the application of safety standards, forging a strong foundation for students poised to enter engineering and technological fields.
