Students get the Army treatment (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Students get the Army treatment

ARMY instructors put students in Cirencester through their paces this week.

The group of year 10 students from Deer Park School were given a lesson with a difference by members of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

The soldiers were all part of the unit's recruiting team and were highlighting some of the challenges that await new recruits to the army as well as some of the career paths that could open up as a result.

The exercise was aimed at students who are studying science-based or design and technology courses.

The officers gave the pupils a brief before they were tasked with designing and building a model crane using professional training equipment.

Capt John Pratt, head of the 6 Battalion REME recruiting team, said: "We always find these workshops are a success and the students take a lot away with them.

"It gives them a better insight into what engineering actually involves, and shows them that communication and teamwork skills are extremely important in addition to problem solving and technical abilities.

"During the practical exercise the students gain hands-on experience of engineering topics, such as leverage, counterbalance using weights and basic construction skills.

"It is a great opportunity for the students as they are working alongside professional and highly qualified engineers and can also find out more about engineering careers in the army."

Members of the REME work at the cutting edge of technology to maintain the army's high-tech equipment.