Auto students embark on Army assault course

Students from Colchester Institute were privy to an exhilarating day of ‘Personal Development Activity’, aimed to encourage leadership and team work, this February.

76 students from the Centre for Engineering took part in the Army day, which saw 16 Bravo Technical Logistic Recruitment Team come to the College to put the students through their paces.

The team was headed up by Sergeant Danny Brady. He says: ‘‘The purpose of these activity days is to show students the variety of careers within the Army. There are around 140 jobs in five main areas that new recruits can get into. These include Royal Engineering, Royal Mechanical Engineering and the Royal Signals.’’

He continues: ‘‘The various scenarios challenge the students mental and physical ability in order to enhance their performance.’’

The tasks the students took part in on the day included: constructing a bridge, dismantling the engine of a quad bike, GPS, various command tasks and physical training. All activities were given an allocated amount of time for completion and each student participated in all tasks.

Roni Holtermann, lecturer in Automobile Engineering said: ‘‘This is a record number of students we’ve had volunteer for the activity day with the Army. Despite the cold weather everyone worked really hard and made the effort to do well. It’s important to show the students all the options available to them once they gain their qualifications.’’

The students were from both the Colchester and Clacton Campuses, studying within the Centre for Engineering.