Budding engineers from Parmiter's School were given a taste of college life when they attended West Herts College's STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) launch.

The engineering event took place at the college's Kings Langley campus on Friday, December 5, and was the student's second visit, after taking part in the college's Tomorrow's Engineers Week back in November. 

Students from Parmiter's were split into groups and worked with college students who gave them taster sessions, teaching them about the different parts of an engine. They also took part in practical sessions on mechanisms, materials and gears, led by motor vehicle engineering tutor Steven Haines. 

James Field, teacher and head of engineering at Parmiter's School, said: "It was great to see that our students enhanced their learning at the college. It was especially rewarding to see practical application of what they've learnt - and the roatation session in small groups in the classroom worked really well. 

"The country is crying out for more engineers and these students are the future. The event has given them the drive and enthusiasm to progress to further and higher education in engineering and then find employment within the sector."

Ross Mannion, BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma motor technology student at West Herts College, said: "It was great to see that they (Parmiter's students) were very interested and intrigued. I was surprised with how much they knew already. They went from the classroom into the workshop to put into practice what they'd learnt. It was impressive how they applied the practical knowledge when they stripped the engine down."