News: Engineering students work in collaboration to produce accessible bench.

The Canal and River Trust are undertaking a project replacing several benches on local towpaths and invited local community groups and organisations to design a bench that will reflect and benefit them. The Stroke Association, together with stroke survivors designed several prototypes before approaching the college and asking for support in making their ideas a reality.

A key component of our courses is providing real industry experience to our students, who from the start of their studies begin learning the skills they need for careers in their chosen fields. Our students, along with staff from our Engineering department have been working in our Engineering Centre of Excellence at our Highfields Campus, producing 3D printed concepts of the designs, and are working in collaboration with stroke survivors to bring their visions of an accessible bench to life.

First year student Randall and second year student Reuben have been involved in the project from the start and have enjoyed the experience of working on a live brief, putting their skills into practice, and working on a project that will benefit the local community.

Velma Hamilton Stroke Engagement Officer for the Midlands said ​‘It’s been fantastic working with Canal and River Trust & Nottingham College to help stroke survivors lend their Stroke Voice and art talents to this bench project. One in five people will have a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. Every stroke is unique because the brain is so complex, and stroke can happen in any part of it. This means there are as many different impacts of stroke as there are stroke survivors, so this bench will not only raise awareness on stroke but help the community understand the effects of stroke.’

The College is continuing to work with The Canal and River Trust and The Stroke Association over the coming months. Our students will be producing the bench which will be installed by the Canal and River Trust on a City Centre towpath in July 2022.

It’s British Science Week 11 – 20 March, a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

With rising industry demand for scientific skills, plus increasing public interest in the world around us and how to protect it for the future, choosing a science course really can open up a massive range of exciting career options.

If you enjoy figuring out how things work and have a curious mind, an engineering course could be just what you’re looking for.

Our Engineering Centre of Excellence at Highfields Science Park offers large workshops with industry-standard equipment for a range of engineering disciplines, including milling and turning (CNC and manual), plus electrical/​electronic engineering, incorporating the latest Programmable Logic Controller and robotics training rigs. Classroom technology includes AutoCAD (Computer Aided Design) and Solid Works design packages. We have also invested in 3D printing and scanning technology.

We offer you a clear progression route on your journey to become a qualified engineer in one of 18 sector areas, with support from staff who have industry experience in their specialist area.