Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) in Partnership with National College for Nuclear (NCfN) has adapted and continued the experiential development programme for EDF and Magnox apprentices through lockdown.

After the success of last year’s Industrial Experiential Learning programme at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, an arrangement was made to repeat the programme online this year. The experience has been developed for apprentices to deepen their understanding of Engineering Maintenance and Condition Monitoring Techniques and industrial context enables the students to gain an insight into an alternative approach to Engineering Maintenance as required in aviation.

During the online event, students were given six daily presentations which included interactive discussions, each day involving a different scenario. These were based around the Sea King Helicopter and rounded off with the Sea Fire aircraft, all of which are on display in the museum. The students engaged well and many comparisons and similarities were made between the Aviation and the Nuclear industry.

David Morris, Curator of Aircraft from the museum said:

The Fleet Air Arm Museum was very pleased to be able to offer the recent webinar sessions to the EDF/NCfN Engineering students. The success of the sessions was dependent in many ways on how much involvement the students were willing to show and take part. The enthusiasm and confidence of the students was soon apparent as the sessions developed. Their level of thinking, discussion and general exploration of the various scenarios put to them was very good indeed, and their ability to relate the situations put to them (from the complex and exacting world of aviation) back to their own field of work was similarly impressive.

This was a very successful exercise and it is hopeful that when restrictions are lifted the students will be able to visit Fleet Air Arm Museum to further enhance their learning.

Please note: Accompanying photo taken at last year’s event.