Safety Immersion with Virtual Reality for Engineering Students
Engineering students at Hull’s Ron Dearing UTC recently delved into the intricacies of workplace safety through an immersive experience designed by safety experts.
During the school’s Engineering Safety Week, the UK’s premier safety specialists conducted a series of workshops tailored for the students. The sessions included an engaging interactive display area centered around virtual reality (VR) technology as well as a competitive activity to highlight the significance of safety when working at heights.
Facilitators conducted continuous sessions throughout the day for students within the range of Year 10 to Year 13. The workshops featured a timed competition requiring participants to correctly put on and secure a safety harness. A ‘Top Gear’-inspired leaderboard tracked the progress, with a generous £50 voucher awarded to the fastest student.
The highlight of the day was introducing students to diverse work-at-height scenarios enhanced by VR headsets. This innovative approach allowed them to experience fall potentials and the critical safety measures needed when working at heights. The virtual environments included iconic locations like Blackpool Tower and the renowned local site, The Deep.
One of the coordinators commented on the event: “The VR experiences were a big hit among the students, providing an engaging way to understand the hazards of high-risk work environments while ensuring safety. Many students expressed their curiosity and recognized the value these exposures bring, particularly in connection to future employment opportunities. It was an overwhelmingly successful day, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborations.”
The event underscored the practical application of health and safety education received at Ron Dearing UTC, transforming theoretical lessons into tangible learning experiences relevant to real-world industries.
Since its inception in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC has forged a strong partnership with leading safety organizations to bridge the gap in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) skills. Earlier in the year, substantial contributions were made in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) for students, alongside the enhancement of the college’s workshop and digital spaces.
One of the fundamental objectives of Ron Dearing UTC is the integration of health and safety consciousness throughout its diverse engineering disciplines. Collaborating with esteemed leaders in the sector significantly enriches the institution’s innovative employer-led curriculum.
These initiatives continue to propel the immersive educational experiences at Ron Dearing UTC, equipping students with vital skills and insights that resonate beyond the classroom and into their envisioned professional environments.
