I am sure that many of you will have been following the developments with interest over recent weeks as we continue to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the Government announced its aspiration to reopen schools, colleges and further education establishments in June, we have taken time to carefully review the Government guidance to understand how this it applies to our own individual circumstances at the Engineering Academy. 

The safety of our delegates, visitors and colleagues will always be our top priority and we have been working hard to ensure that we can reopen the Engineering Academy in line with the Government’s  COVID-secure standards. We want to take this opportunity to assure you that we are taking all possible practical steps to help you to safely return to learning with us.

In line with the Government guidance, we have implemented a number of safety measures at the Engineering Academy, these include:

• Asking that anyone who is displaying coronavirus symptoms, or who lives with someone who does, not to attend the Academy, this includes our staff
• New maximum class sizes in order to ensure we can maintain safe distances whilst not impacting the learning experience
• Following social distancing rules wherever possible. This will include keeping a distance of  two metres between trainers and delegates whenever reasonably possible.  Where it is not possible maintain a distance of two  due to the nature of safely undertaking practical work, we will ensure delegates and trainers have appropriate controls in place to maintain their safety
• Cleaning our hands more often than usual in line with Government guidance. Using signs to highlight the importance of washing them thoroughly for at least 20 seconds using running water and soap and dry them thoroughly, or using alcohol hand rub or sanitiser, ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered. Handwashing remains the preferred method.
• Using individual equipment wherever possible, if not, we will provide single use gloves and items will be sanitised after each use
• Each trainer will have their own set of stationery which cannot be shared with others
• Asking delegates to bring their own personal PPE, stationary and any other items that they may need during the day in order to avoid cross contamination through sharing
• Enhanced Risk Assessments (on a course by course basis)
• Reorganising all routines (including arrival on site, registration, breaks and lunch) and movement around the building to limit unnecessary contact
• Taking breaks and learning outside wherever possible as open air conditions help to prevent the spread of the virus
• Only having a small number of key staff working on site at any one time to limit unnecessary contact
• Access to hand gels, sanitisers and PPE for use where appropriate
• Removing unnecessary furniture from around the building
• Spacing out work stations to ensure a two metre distance
• Removing equipment that can’t be easily cleaned

We believe that through these measures you can have confidence that we have taken all reasonable steps to protect your safety whilst you are with us and to help limit any potential spread of the virus.

We very much look forward to welcoming you back and despite the changes, I can assure you that we at the Engineering Academy remain the same supportive and caring team who will do everything we can to deliver innovative, inspiring and impactful learning solutions to support your development. If you have any questions then please do get in touch with us.

 

Nick Booth

Head of Engineering Academy