No challenge is too big for East Coast College, even when it involves a first-of-its-kind event for a leading renewables developer.

East Coast College has built a reputation as a leading education provider for the energy industry thanks to its Energy Skills Centre. Alongside its core courses, the college prides itself on exploring new training needs and creating bespoke packages.

So, when RWE Renewables was looking for a venue to host a two-day emergency response challenge, the college was the obvious choice.

Eastern Daily Press: RWE Renewables’ challenge day brought together 13 teams from the UK, Germany, Denmark and SwedenRWE Renewables’ challenge day brought together 13 teams from the UK, Germany, Denmark and Sweden (Image: CHPV)

Held on November 14-15, the challenge brought together 13 teams from RWE Renewable offshore sites across the UK, Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

The teams were faced with six emergency response scenarios, all involving a first aid and rescue element.

“In the background we had a plethora of activities based around emergency response and health and safety topics, with an open area where teams could engage with our suppliers, covering knowledge in all areas from wellbeing and nutrition to rescue equipment,” said Shaun Cutler, platform specialist at RWE Renewables.

The instructors and suppliers were asked to record the names of individuals that engaged and participated over and above, and awards were given to those who came out on top.

Eastern Daily Press: The facilities at East Coast College, such as the environmental tank, make it an ideal venue for offshore safety trainingThe facilities at East Coast College, such as the environmental tank, make it an ideal venue for offshore safety training (Image: CHPV)

The challenge winners were:

RESQ+ Hero Award:

Steve Spurrell from Triton Knoll – for outstanding rescue techniques and team leadership

RESQ+ Lifesaver Award:

Ste Jones from the joint team of North Hoyle and Rhyl Flats – for outstanding advanced first aid skills and casualty care

RESQ+ Valedictorian Award:

Richard Holmes from Galloper – for outstanding engagement and enthusiasm in all background activities, as well as a high performance in rescue and first aid scenarios

RESQ+ Top Performing Team:

Triton Knoll

Shaun is a former student at the college and had used facilities such as the environmental tank prior to joining the forces, as well as since joining the offshore renewable sector, so he knew it would be ideal for this event.

“It wasn’t until I met with Rachel Bunn that I understood the full potential of the Energy Skills Centre,” he said. “From the professionals delivering the emergency response training to the environment tank, from the ART area to the conference room, this place was the perfect venue.

“This was the first event of its kind for RWE Renewables and we believe it could be a first for the renewable industry as a whole, so we were unsure of the response, but everyone came to it with welcoming spirit and a determination to succeed and take something positive back to their site. It was overwhelming.”

Rachel Bunn, assistant principal at East Coast College, said: “East Coast was delighted to support this unique and innovative event for RWE within the Energy Skills Centre. The event was truly testament to the RWE team’s passion for driving skills and the sharing of good practice.”