Runcorn students get to grips with bridge building
Four local students from the Heath School in Runcorn have spent a week at the Mersey Gateway project learning about bridge design and construction.
The students, Gemma Judge (15), Finlay McDonnell (16), Daniel Dry (15) and Andrew Marshall (15), worked with a variety of supervisors and learnt about different aspects of bridge design and civil engineering.
From left to right: Andrew Marshall, Finlay McDonnell, Daniel Dry, and Gemma Judge in their full PPE kit on the Mersey Gateway bridge.
They learnt about the different engineering techniques used to build the Mersey Gateway bridge, the different materials that are used during construction, and the environmental aspects of the project.
They took part in health and safety inductions and were given a tour of the site as part of their week’s experience.
Hugh O’Connor, General Manager, Merseylink, said the visit was an opportunity for the students to get some practical experience to accompany what they’re learning in the classroom.
“We always welcome the chance to bring work experience students onto the site, and let them see first hand how the project is progressing and the scale of it.
“Supporting students like this lets us share the vast experience of our project team with the local community, and hopefully provides some inspiration for them as they decide what type of career they would like to pursue after school.”
Gemma Judge, of Runcorn, said: “It was a great experience working on the Mersey Gateway project.
“I worked with lots of departments covering all different aspects of the project, my favourite moment was having the chance to go out on to the bridge as I could see the project coming to life”.
Neil Wilcock, Employment and Skills Coordinator at Merseylink, said since the project began 41 students from across Halton have taken part in work experience visits, which equals more then 70 weeks of work experience.
“We’re delighted to host these placements. They offer students an insight into the work that’s going on behind the scenes to build Halton’s iconic new bridge.
“On behalf of all of the supervisors they worked with during their time with us I would like to thank the students for their work with us, and wish them every success for their future endeavours.
“Hopefully, working on such an important project for the area will inspire them to follow a career in science, engineering and technology.”
To find out more about the project, visit: https://merseygateway.co.uk/
