Real-life, hands-on experience is often the best way to instil in students a proper understanding of complex subjects such as engineering. With that in mind, Joe Mulholland, Curriculum & Quality Leader Building Services at our Clydebank Campus, organised a three-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training camp for our Electrical Engineering pre-apprentice students.

Taking place in Rowardennan, on the banks of Loch Lomond, the trip was funded by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) and supported by the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT). In addition to lectures, the training camp included hands-on activities. The 10 participating students got to craft themselves a mini hydro generator and a wind turbine, allowing them to get practical understanding of electricity generation from renewable energy. These were tested on Ben Lomond and in a gorge river walk.

Joe is very happy with the trip’s outcome:

“It provided a great platform to enhance the essential skills of the participating students. The engagement students had with activities was first class and all of the students have fed back positively.”

Graeme Arnott, SECTT Training Officer, led the trip together with Joe. Graeme explains why he was keen to participate in organising this training camp:

“The problem with concentrating assessments around the maths of science is that it acts as a barrier to learning, especially for those who don’t like maths or don’t think they’re very good at it. What I wanted to do was create thoroughly engaging practical activities that would inspire the students.”

The students fully enjoyed the event and recognised the value of practical learning:

“Doing things instead of writing or being in class made it easier for me to learn” - Ross Matheson, 21

 “It was very good and gave us the opportunity to experience things we would normally never get the chance to do.” - Reece Lally, 19