Students from the University of Chester bridged the connection between study and work by supporting preparations for Green Expo 2022 in Chester last year. Six students from the university, four with the Work Based Learning scheme, worked on the new three day event last year, held for the second time on the banks of the River Dee at Castle Drive this year, on June 16-18.
Click here to see University of Chester students working on the project to restore the Hydro Hub.
Grace Pugh is now a third-year Events Management student. She has a diploma in Creative Media Production, and Business Administration already and awards in the Flintshire Young Leader Program, Level 3 First Aid and CPR, and a DofE Bronze Award. Grace said; “I gained a whole new set of skills from Green Expo to take out into the world with me after university and I’m learning what it is like to plan and create events.”
Sophie Davies is a third-year student studying Geography and Natural Hazard Management with a particular interest in sustainability. She says; “My role as Hydrohub Technology Executive meant I gathered hands-on experience within this field and learnt what needs to be accomplished to make the world a cleaner greener place. The Hydrohub aims to rejuvenate the disused hydro station and utilise the natural resources of the river to provide a source of renewable energy. The Hydrohub will also provide an educational facility which will help bring awareness to more sustainable ways of living.”
Joe Darlington is from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and studying Politics in his final year. He said; “I helped to organise and market the Business and Youth conferences on 16th and 17th June respectively. This was a new and exciting experience for me and it was a great privilege to be promoting something as important as green energy and environmental protection, as well as promoting the region.”
Eadaoin McQuillan is studying Events and Marketing Management and was the Awards Events Executive for Green Expo 2022. She said; “84% of Cheshire residents would like to learn more about climate change, net zero and how it applies locally. I was keen to play my part and bring in fresh ideas so we raise people’s awareness and know more. The awards help celebrate our successes too.”
Alex Bullock is a Masters student at Chester University studying Journalism and a busy mum of a 6 year old boy. She graduated from an undergraduate course at Llandrillo Menai studying Creative Broadcast Media and has worked on her local museum’s website. She said; “It was an amazing opportunity to work on this during the lockdowns, giving me experience of working alongside a great team at the museum. I enjoyed working alongside a group of such talented people on the Green Expo 2022.”
Mick Roberts assisted on visual media for Green Expo.
Project Director for Green Expo Jane Harrad-Roberts said; “I’m really enjoyed working with everyone to create such a fantastic event for Chester and the Northwest. I know the potential students have and the skills they can bring to a project like this, here’s to next year! I’m looking forward to working with everyone involved with 2023.”
The Work Based Learning module has been running successfully in various forms for over 25 years at the University of Chester. At its core is the 5-week placement that is undertaken during the second year of study. Recruiters consistently report that, in addition to the specific technical skills and experience required for their sector, they are keen to recruit people who can demonstrate a range of ‘soft’ or ‘transferable’ skills such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving, teamworking, and time management. More information here.
Alex Bullock. LtoR: Grace Pugh, Sophie Davies, Joe Darlington, Jane Harrad-Roberts, Eadaoin McQuillan and Mick Roberts.