On 18^th March 2019 CATCH Skills, hosted 200 Leeds University Chemical Engineering students for 5 days to take part in the ‘CATCH Experience’ programme. The students, who were in their 2^nd year of their degree programme, benefited from invaluable practical hands on experience, which demonstrated how their skills would be used in the workplace in a few years time. The training included, familiarisation with the process plant, simulator, control room and mechanical workshop.

Practical “real world” experience in a degree programme is very difficult to achieve yet is valued as extremely important by employers. The CATCH Experience Programme allows students to apply and transfer their Chemical Engineering theoretical studies into practical scenarios, within a safe and controlled environment.

Students who attended the programme said “This programme will benefit us throughout our degree and in the future when we are applying for roles in Industry. We are now able to understand how chemical engineering in is put into practice, and particularly the process system’ module was extremely beneficial”

They continued, “The activities allowed us to see how our course theory can be applied in industry, in addition the heavy focus on health and safety was fantastic”.

James McIntosh, Head of CATCH Skills added: “The University of Leeds project really showcases the variety that the CATCH site has to offer. To facilitate over 200 students in a week doing a range of Process and Mechanical activities is no mean feat and the fact that the students give such excellent feedback means that the project certainly adds value to their Chemical Engineering degree programme. The University have already booked for next year’s programme and we look forward to working with them to ensure it has a similar impact on the students who visit.”

Jess Bocock, Marketing and Course Coordinator, CATCH Skills concluded: “Any education provider can use CATCH as an opportunity to portray the characterises of working on a real industrial site. Leeds University, through this approach, sends their Year 2 Chemical Engineering degree students each year, which not only prepares them for work, but also for their final year project – the programme really helps them in achieving this”.

CATCH Skills approach to industry training is unique. Their Industry led, world class facilities hosts partnerships with multiple training providers including further education colleges and private organisations who are recognised as leaders in their field. Working closely with companies to generate programmes that offers solutions and cater for their training needs.

Based in Stallingborough, CATCH is an industry led partnership supporting the process, energy, engineering and renewable industries in Yorkshire and Humber. Catering for adult and student learning. If you would like to find out more details, please call 01469 552828 or email info@catchuk.org.