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Future Engineers visit the Queen Mary II

QM2 visit

Engineering Diploma students from Eastleigh College were among a select few invited aboard the luxury Queen Mary 2 cruise liner last week as part of the Future Engineers project.

The project is the brainchild of Stephen Payne OBE, chief designer of the Queen Mary 2, and Brian Ansell, a physics teacher, who have been inspired by a desire to raise the profile of engineering within schools. Budding engineers from a number of local schools and colleges were invited on to the ship for a presentation about the trials and rewards of marine engineering, followed by a tour.

The presentation was informative, inspiring and encouraging, with Stephen Payne stressing the potential in every student present to develop excellent careers in engineering. The subsequent tour took in the grandeur of the 1300 seat restaurant, the magnificent on-board theatre, a string of swimming pools, the distinctive red funnel, and the stunning view of Southampton from the deck.

Mike Driscoll, Learning Manager for Engineering and Automotive Studies at Eastleigh College, commented:

"The visit to the Queen Mary brought to life many aspects of Engineering that are simply unimaginable, and can't be taught in a classroom environment. It has shown our learners that what may at first appear impossible, can be achieved through successful deployment of inter-personal skills, including team work and communication, and having sound, basic knowledge of modern engineering disciplines. These are the 'golden threads' that run through the Diploma and why it is the qualification of choice for a growing number of mainstream learners."

Participating students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have the benefit of another real-life experience to draw on when considering their futures.

For further information about the new Diploma courses for 14 – 19 year olds, or any full or part-time courses at Eastleigh College, please visit www.eastleigh.ac.uk or call 023 8091 1121.

Release date 09/11/2009