Bridgwater & Taunton College’s (BTC) Nuclear Engineering department have been recognised as finalists at the Energy & Utility Skills Awards 2024, in the ‘Skills Collaboration Initiative of the Year Award’ category.

This was due to their unique project-based collaborative curriculum delivery in partnership with EDF and the Yeovilton Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum.

In addition to this incredible achievement, Nuclear Engineering Apprentice “AJ” has been recognised as a finalist in the ‘Power Industry Apprentice of the Year Award’ category of the Energy & Utility Skills Awards 2024.

The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and key stakeholders to attend the conference followed by evening dinner and an awards ceremony to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organisations that are shaping the future of the industry.

A partnership between EDF, BTC and the Fleet Air Arm Museum developed a curriculum that challenges apprentices to apply their knowledge, skills & behaviours to unfamiliar scenarios in order to further understand and deepen their knowledge.

This was achieved in part by students participating in an Aircraft Maintenance Programme, which is holistically blended with the Condition Monitoring Maintenance unit on their BTEC Diploma.

Students attended the museum for a total of six days across three weeks, in which time they identified the aircraft maintenance needs for various scenarios developed by museum staff.

Apprentices were divided into groups, with each being allocated a different component to research, and were then required to compose a presentation on their allocated component. This ranged from avionics to weapons systems.

All their efforts culminated on week four when they executed their presentations on a stage located beneath Concorde in the museum’s main hangar.

The audience consisted of fellow apprentices, a large group of EDF personnel, college staff, and various members of the museum workforce.

Ryan Barnett, Deputy Head of Nuclear, commented,

This innovative collaboration has produced a curriculum where are students participate in projects that test and challenge our student’s capabilities, accelerating their learning and giving them a greater understanding of condition monitoring maintenance and its application. In addition, it develops their personal skills, nuclear professionalism and safety culture, bringing the BTC Advantage to life.

AJ is currently a Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) apprentice with EDF where his role is to maintain the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment in national infrastructure Engineering Power Sector.

In his third year, AJ stood out as someone who applies 110% into his apprenticeship and every opportunity. Whilst this obviously included his studies, it goes much farther, including helping and supporting others, participating in activities to inspire the next generation of apprentices, and representing his fellow students.

AJ is valued by EDF as a rising star within the company, and is on track to achieve his apprenticeship with a Distinction, progressing to a successful career in the power sector with EDF.

Ryan also added,

It’s fantastic for AJ to be recognised for his motivation, dedication and outcomes he’s achieving on his apprenticeship. He has always applied himself to all the challenges and opportunities that have come his way and this can be seen in how highly thought of he is by his fellow apprentices and employer EDF. Its commendable how he will always go out of his way to support others in a variety of ways including taking the responsibility of the College Student Representative for his whole year group.

I wish AJ the very best for the rest of his apprenticeship and career in the sector.

Both AJ’s and the College’s recognition as finalists highlights the exceptional work of the Nuclear department and their students, continuing an ongoing commitment to excellence in education and innovation.

BTC strives to provide cutting-edge training and development in the nuclear sector, ensuring students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry. The College is proud of such achievements, and looks forward to continuing their journey towards shaping the future of clean energy and industry advancements.

For more information on future events and BTC’s multitude of educational offerings, please visit www.btc.ac.uk or get in touch with the Information & Advice team by emailing info@btc.ac.uk.