16 students from the NULC Uniformed Public Service course have recently spent a day tackling Mount Snowden, the highest mountain in England and Wales.
Also, just to make it more challenging the students decided to wear Super Heroes costumes!
The day was organised by the students in support of the British led Beyond Rescue Antarctic Expedition taking place later this year, which is raising money for Fire Fighter and Royal Marine Charities. Visit www.gobeyondrescue.com for more information and how to donate.
The planning and execution of the fundraising event are used by all students on the Level 3 Uniformed Public Services course to gather evidence for their Teamwork and Leadership Level 3 unit.
NULC’s Uniformed Public Services Curriculum Leader, Robert Hadnum said: “Due to high winds and low temperatures we were unable to reach the top. Many climbers were turning around or reporting that weather on the summit was atrocious. However it was great to see the students fully committed to the fundraising event and although we didn’t reach the summit, the hail storms, gale force winds and icy conditions gave them a slight insight into how dangerous the ‘Beyond Rescue’ expedition will be.”
Over the two year course the Uniformed Public Service Level 3 students will organise and participate in many fundraising and adventurous actives, providing them with the teamwork and leadership skills that will support them in their future careers.
Two intrepid students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are jetting off to Norway to train with ex marines in sub-zero conditions.
As part of the College’s sponsorship of the Beyond Rescue challenge, Charlotte Johnson, aged 19 from Kidsgrove and Marcus Reynolds, aged 19 from Stone, who both study the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services at the College will travel to Norway on 27 March.
The Beyond Rescue challenge is led by local Fireman and former Sir Thomas Boughey pupil, Andy Topham. Andy and six fellow adventurers are set to follow in Captain Scott’s footsteps as they try to plant the Union Flag on the South Pole next year.
The 372 mile challenge is called ‘Beyond Rescue’ as for 350 of those miles the team will be out of reach of light aircraft. During the challenge the team will attempt to break the world record for the fasted unsupported attempt, which is currently held by Norway.
As part of his training Andy is travelling to Norway this month to undertake intense training in similar hostile conditions. The Beyond Rescue team which is made up of former Armed Forces personnel and Marines will be training in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees. During the trip to Norway the NULC students will have the opportunity to join in training drills including skiing, digging snow holes and jumping into ice cold water!
Ben Sproston, Curriculum Manager for Public Services at NULC, said: “Marcus and Charlotte have got a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn leadership and team building skills in some of the harshest conditions.
“Opportunities like this will really set them apart when applying for the uniformed forces or university. Here at NULC we’re dedicated to providing our students with the best opportunities available, allowing them to achieve and succeed to the best of their ability.”
The College offered all Public Services students the opportunity to apply to take part. Charlotte and Michael had to go through a tough application process competing against over 120 fellow students to secure their places on the training expedition. Students had to write a personal statement explaining how the trip would help them in their studies and future careers, before being shortlisted for a panel interview with Andy Topham.
Ben added: “Both Charlotte and Marcus excelled in their interviews and showed the essential skills needed to be part of a team in extreme conditions.”
NULC offers courses in public services which prepares learners for the mental and physical demands of a career in the uniformed public services, such as the Police Force, Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service, British Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.
To find out more about studying Public Services at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.
As part of their Retention, Achievement and Progression (RAP) Week, over 50 students from the NULC Uniformed Public Service course spent an educational and informative day with the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. Based on Knutton Lane in Newcastle under Lyme, the students experiencing hands on training covering the many and various aspects of the Fire and Rescue Service.
The staff at the Community Fire Station had set up a series of stances where the students operated, under close supervision, Road Traffic Collision (RTC) cutting equipment, observed a decontamination exercise (covering reaction to a terrorist attack) and wore Swift Water Rescue equipment, including dry suits, helmets and buoyancy aids. As they tried on the equipment they were briefed on the Rigid Inflatable Boats that had been recently deployed last month in the River Thames flooding.
The students finished off their visit by wearing and operating Breathing Apparatus in a mocked up house fire rescue which simulated a search for a missing baby and adult in a two storey smoked filled domestic property.
Sam Holmes, Public Services Lecturer at NULC said: “The students and I had a great day with at the Community Fire Station. The stances were carefully arranged to quite rightly showcase the skills and talents of the Fire and Rescue Service and educate our students on the opportunities open to them in the Fire Service.”
Public Services student, Claire Rutter, added: “It was great visit, we could actually try on the equipment and have a go. I found the house rescue thrilling and challenging."
Students on the Uniformed Public Service course participate in several similar visits and talks throughout the year, enabling them to learn hands on skills and gather the facts about the Public Services that will help them with their studies and on completion of the course, make informed decisions on their next career steps.
To find out more about studying Public Services at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.
30 students on the NULC Uniformed Public Service, Level 2 Diploma Course, spent a day at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum, located at RAF Cosford in Shropshire. The museum tells the story of the RAF and the men and women who serve and have served in the RAF.
As the students walked around the site, they were able to see aircraft from past and present including the Harrier Jump Jet and classic aircraft such as the Spitfire and talk to veterans of past conflicts.
Uniformed Public Services student Hollie Campbell said about the trip: “I really enjoyed talking to the veterans, it was my favourite part of the day.”
Visits like this provide the NULC students with the background information that supports their studies and in turn helps them decide what their next steps will be.
The Level 2 Diploma is a one year course and on successful completion allows the students to either to progress on to the two year, Level 3 Extended Diploma course in Uniformed Public Services, or make an informed choice on their next career step.
As part of their two year study, students studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services at Newcastle-under-Lyme College spent a day at the National Memorial Arboretum near Alrewas in Staffordshire.
The site is geographically the centre of England, and is home to 200 dedicated memorials acknowledging the personal sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and civil services of this country.
During their visit, the students from NULC took part in a memorial service and a guided tour of the site. As they walked around the 150 acre site, the students paid close attention to the Armed Forces Memorial, which is considered to be the centre piece of the National Memorial Arboretum. On its walls contain the names of all Service men and women who have died in conflicts since the end of World War Two.
The Uniformed Public Service course covers 20 Units and this visit supports some of the work covered in the Understanding War and Conflict unit.
Dean McMullen a Level 3 student on the Public Services course said: “The site has lots of memorials commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. I found the day very interesting and the memorial service solemn and moving."
Newcastle College Lecturer, Ron Morley added: “It is important that students can relate the theory of our course to the realities of service life. This will help them make informed decisions on their next career move, be that joining a Uniformed Public Service or going on to Higher Education."
To find out more about studying Uniformed Public Services at Newcastle College click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.
