On 17th March 2020 CATCH Skills, hosted 80 University of Lincoln Engineering students for 4 days to take part in the ‘CATCH Experience’ programme. The students, who were in their 1^st year of their degree programme, benefited from invaluable practical hands on experience. The aim was to demonstrate how their skills would be used within a workplace. The training included Introduction to Plant Process, COSHH/ Hazard Identification, DCS Simulator, Loss of Containment, Laser Alignment, Pumps and Flange Integrity.

“Practical 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 Engineering theoretical studies into practical scenarios, within a safe and controlled environment. The students felt this experience “provided real life examples of equipment” and allowed them to “gain visual and hands on experience of the theory.” It allows the students to have an “insight to what a career in engineering would be like.” They felt the CATCH Environment was “welcoming and friendly and simulates the real world well.”

They continued to say the environment was “realistic” with the “right amount of professionalism.”

James McIntosh, Director of the CATCH Engineering Training Partnership said “We were delighted to be able to deliver such a varied programme for the University of Lincoln students at CATCH. It is great to see another University wanting to enhance their Engineering degree curriculum with a range of different practical based experiences so the students can find out more about our industry. The feedback from the students was that they enjoyed seeing how the industrial environment linked into their studies and that the hands-on experience was most enjoyable. CATCH has an excellent relationship with the University of Lincoln, and we look forward to working with them again in the future on a variety of projects.”

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.