Recently, twelve first-year T Level Engineering students visited National Highways at Bescot to meet members of the Colas Ltd team and officially launch a small group project: Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS).
This project is the result of a fantastic collaboration between our T Level team and Colas Ltd who are leaders in delivering sustainable solutions for the UK’s transport infrastructure. The project has been designed to immerse students in a real-world challenge around crash barrier systems.
The day began with a warm welcome from Phillipa Lee Area 9 Customer & Social Value Manager, followed by Dr Jo Harvatt Social Value and Sustainability Manager who introduced key staff members involved in the initiative. Construction Manager, Alex Russell shared insights into his role and career journey, giving students a valuable perspective on the diverse opportunities within the sector.
Jennifer Ebanks, Head of Social Value at National Highways, delivered a powerful overview on the importance of social responsibility in infrastructure, encouraging students to consider the broader impact of engineering and construction work on communities and the environment.
Antony Botham, Chartered Safety and Health Professional, delivered an engaging and thought-provoking session on health and safety, underlining the importance of life-saving rules and shared responsibility for safe work practices.
As part of the project, students will carry out conditional assessments of crash barriers, gaining hands-on experience with VRS systems and understanding their critical role in road safety. This experience bridges the gap between technical knowledge and its real-world application, reinforcing the importance of engineering judgement and safety standards.
The VRS project aligns perfectly with the T Level Engineering curriculum, offering invaluable industry engagement, practical learning, and exposure to key issues like safety, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making.
We’re excited to follow the students’ progress as the project continues, with an upcoming visit to Hill & Smith Barriers and online training sessions with the Colas team.
