In a pioneering educational venture, students from the College of West Anglia (CWA) have successfully completed the construction of a scaled replica of an offshore floating wind turbine at Constructionarium based in Bircham Newton, Norfolk. This groundbreaking initiative, named AngliaZero, is the result of a collaboration between Constructionarium, a not for profit educational specialist in scaled hands-on construction experiences, and the New Anglia Growth Fund.

This marks the second group of students from CWA undertaking the AngliaZero project, solidifying the program's commitment to providing transformative educational experiences. Funded by the New Anglia Growth Fund, this initiative is recognised as the world's first of its kind educational tool, showcasing the practical application of emerging wind turbine technology. It reflects the many construction projects that are going on off the Norfolk costs currently and offers a view into the world of construction and is NetZero technology.

Throughout the week-long event, learners from CWA actively collaborated to construct a fully operational scaled model of an offshore floating wind turbine in a dry dock. The 7.7m, 4t structure was then winched out into the lagoon, supplying power to a house constructed by the learners themselves. The completion of AngliaZero not only highlights the students' acquisition of technical skills but also underscores the immersive experience that fosters personal and life skills development.

Jonathan Saunders, Workforce Skills Development Project Manager at Norfolk County Council had the honour of overseeing the commissioning the system. He commended the project, saying, "This project is a fantastic way to inspire and gives students the opportunity to understand how engineering construction is a credible career path. The learning opportunities at Constructionarium are unique and exceptional. We are lucky that we have access to this facility on our doorstep."

Julia Stevens, Chief Executive of Constructionarium, stated, "AngliaZero serves as a tangible showcase of engineering process and illustrates the practical application of emerging wind turbine technology. Beyond the acquisition of technical skills, AngliaZero provided an immersive experience that fostered the development of personal and life skills amongst the participants. This initiative will not only open pathways to new career opportunities in the renewable energy sector but also draws attention to the anticipated job growth in Norfolk and across the UK."

Jane Burton, Construction Programme Manager at CWA, expressed pride in the partnership with Constructionarium, stating, "We are immensely proud of our partnership with Constructionarium for this groundbreaking initiative, providing our learners with a hands-on experience that transcends traditional classroom learning. We would like to thank Constructionarium for this unique experience and allowing our students to be the first to undertake the learning."

Students were fortunate to have Jonathan Haynes, Professor in Engineering Education at The University of Salford spend two days with the students to see the learning in action. As the event drew to a close, he commented "The University of Salford have been visiting Constructionarium for over ten years. It’s unique facility and learning opportunities support the delivery of our Civil Engineering programmes at the University. With the introduction of this project to Constructionarium’s portfolio, how they are pushing the green skills agenda forward is to be admired. We are looking forward to our students completing this challenge when we return in a couple of weeks.” His colleague, Dr Ahmed Naggasa, Module Leader (and former Constructionarium Alumnus) handed out CPD certificates to the students. He expressed his admiration for the learning undertaken, noting “how impressed he had been with the students and how the learning and skills they have learnt during the five days will hold them in good stead for their futures.”

As Constructionarium remains committed to fostering education and career development, the organisation is ready to collaborate with local and national stakeholders, businesses, and academia to promote and support emerging career and learning and development opportunities in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector. This successful completion of the AngliaZero project is a testament to the potential for experiential learning to shape the future workforce in the renewable energy industry.