Using 3D printing, the students recreated a section of the Huddersfield Broad Canal towpath, complete with a working lock mechanism.
The project, named CanalWorks 3D, began in the classroom in October when a Jackson team visited the students and discussed career opportunities in civil engineering, as well as the scope of the canal towpath improvement works.
The students then visited the work site on the banks of the canal, measuring, sketching, and photographing details as they saw engineers in action and experienced firsthand how an infrastructure project like this comes together.
Students and staff share their pride
As a collective, the students spoke with great pride about what they had achieved, saying:
“As a collective, we all believe that the hardest piece of the project was the scaling of the model compared to the real-life model; however, the easiest bit was presenting it, as it felt natural. From the site visits to the technical drawings and models, this has brought us all out of our comfort zone and expanded our motivation and our knowledge to further pursue our interests in the field of engineering.”
Steve Plumstead, Curriculum Director for Construction, Engineering and Land-based Studies at Kirklees College, said: “This has been a really exciting project for the students to work on. It has been great to see them working hard and putting their knowledge from the workshop into good use. Really thankful for Jackson Civil Engineering and The Canal and River Trust.”
Feedback from Jackson Civil Engineering
Project Manager Darren Black said:
“It’s a constant pleasure to collaborate with the bright minds of the future, and this project truly exemplifies that. The enthusiasm and skill shown by these students give me great confidence that the STEM industries in the UK are in very good hands.”
Dave Bush, Section Engineer added:
“As a STEM Ambassador, it gives me great satisfaction to see the students being enthusiastic and fully engaged about the project. This is also a testament to the tutor’s willingness to collaborate with all parties involved to make the project a success.”
Phil Waines, Public Liaison Officer also commented:
“CanalWorks 3D perfectly captures what collaboration and social value means to Jackson Civils. From sharing our expertise, supporting young talent, and leaving a positive mark on the communities where we work. The passion and openness from everyone at Kirklees College turned a simple idea into a shared success.”
Do you want to work on career-enhancing projects like this one?
Our Engineering courses are competitive with a wide range of options. Our dedicated team of educators and experts will help you pick the right course for you, at the right level, and in the right field.
At Kirklees College, we are proud to be innovators of engineering ourselves and have a state-of-the-art, £7.5 million specialist centre, with workshops for CNC, manufacturing, mechanics, fabrication and welding. Head to the Engineering section of our website to find out more.
