Tay Cities Engineering Partnership (TCEP) is at the forefront of preparing young minds for the future, providing our S3 School Taster Sessions in collaboration with the support of Dundee and Angus College (D&A College).
These engaging sessions provide S3 school students with an exciting opportunity to experience the college environment while exploring careers in the dynamic world of engineering and advanced manufacturing.
A Glimpse into College Life and Future Careers
For many students, choosing a career path can feel daunting. There are a lot of misconceptions around careers in engineering, with many young people disregarding it as a possibility without really having much understanding of the diversity of roles that come under this thriving sector.
TCEP’s S3 School Taster Sessions aim to bridge this knowledge gap by introducing young learners to hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM. By stepping into the world of engineering and innovation, students gain valuable insight into potential career paths available to them in the region as well as the skills they may need to succeed.
Exploring EPIC at D&A College’s Arbroath Campus
A key highlight of the taster sessions is a guided tour of our EPIC (Engineering Partnership Innovation Centre) hosted D&A College. This cutting-edge facility is designed to equip future engineers with the expertise and training necessary to meet the evolving needs of Tayside’s advanced manufacturing and engineering sector.
During their visit, students experience firsthand the advancements in engineering, automation and robotics, offering them a taste of what a future in the sector could hold in an engaging way.
This includes:
- Virtual Reality (VR) Simulations – Students use VR headsets with specialist software to step into the shoes of a wind turbine engineer, experiencing what it’s like to work in renewable energy.
- Programming Sphero Robots – These small, spherical robots introduce students to coding and problem-solving, helping them develop key computational skills in a fun and interactive way.
- Exploring Collaborative Robots (Cobots) – Cobots are designed to work safely alongside humans in industrial settings. Students get the opportunity to programme the robots and discover how these innovative machines enhance efficiency and safety.
- Augmented Reality Welding – Students get the chance to try welding using augmented reality technology, offering a risk-free yet highly immersive introduction to an essential engineering skill.
Key Benefits of Our S3 School Taster Sessions
For young people, there’s numerous benefits to attending one of our school sessions as they allow them to:
✔ Discover potential career pathways in engineering, advanced manufacturing and technology.
✔ Develop hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies.
✔ Gain confidence in their abilities and aspirations for their future.
✔ Familiarise themselves with a college setting, easing the transition from school to further education.
Looking to the future
With the demand for skilled engineers continuing to rise across Tayside, events like our S3 School Taster Sessions play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation.
By introducing students to immersive learning experiences, they not only broaden their horizons but also take their first steps toward exciting and rewarding careers in engineering.
If you’re a school or community group that would like to know more about our events for young people and how we can support you to inspire the next generation then get in touch with our team! Also check out our ‘Information for Educators‘ events for school teachers, careers advisors and community group leaders.