Second year ECITB Engineering Modern Apprentices at Forth Valley College recently created a new system to enhance the Falkirk Campus training facilities.
In an outstanding example of skills development in action, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) group, mentored by STEM and Construction lecturer Graham Kenny and supported by the department’s Technicians, led the design, construction, and commissioning of a closed-loop water cooling system for the College’s plant lab distillation columns.
As they prepare to transition into full-time industry roles, Joseph Dignam, Silvia McCaig Lopez, Matthew McCluskey, Jack Rennie, Auley Stevenson, Rhys Sullivan and Dylan Taylor, were able to work to a very high level to develop the system which will benefit the College and future generations of students
Colin McMorrin, Curriculum Manager in the Department of STEM and Construction, said: “The project fostered deep engagement with core, essential, meta, and career management skills, including technical engineering expertise, problem solving, collaboration, project planning, digital system integration, and real-world application of sustainable practices.
“Students were supported by Graham Kenny, our Technicians, John White, Amy Wylie and Nawa Prathetsing, and the Estates team, but were responsible for every element — from system design and prototyping to budgeting, safety assessments, and system testing— and were supported by mentoring, not instruction.
“The project directly responds to regional and national skills priorities in engineering, sustainability, and digital control systems, and provides a replicable model for integrating live, curriculum-embedded engineering challenges into apprenticeship programmes.
“What makes this project unique is the student ownership and industry relevance —learners weren’t just participating, they were leading. By articulating and demonstrating their skills in a high-impact, transferable project, these apprentices graduate from FVC as industry-ready professionals equipped with a strong sense of confidence, competence, and career vision. They should all be very proud of what they have achieved.”
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