SOUTH TYNESIDE COLLEGE GOES THE DISTANCE WITH TRAINING

Distance learning is increasingly seen as the way forward for marine and offshore training, bringing a flexible alternative to the traditional residential course.

South Tyneside College, the UK's National Nautical Centre for Excellence, is working with a variety of partners to meet the evolving training needs of client companies and their employees.

Chris May, head of the School of Maritime Studies and Engineering, explains: "At one time it was very straightforward; those wanting to reach the next step on the career ladder came to us and completed a classroom-based course over a set period of time. Now, this has all changed.

"From cadet level upwards, personnel spend some time at the College and some time at sea, gaining valuable experience and completing practical exercises. This has implications right across the maritime training sector, requiring a new approach to learning."

In recent years, the College has been constantly evaluating its existing courses to see how they can be taught effectively via a flexible programme, particularly to those who may not be able to attend the main campus in South Shields. A major innovation is the Marine Learning Centre, offering IT facilities, conference rooms and a full-time tutor, on hand to assist students in person, via telephone or Email.

Another significant development is the College's agreement to provide content for computer-based distance learning packages offered by Seagull A/S of Norway. Making use of the vast experience of lecturing staff, these modules offer an excellent tool for use by students, either in the Marine Learning Centre, at home or on board ship.

John Clarence, head of Marine Flexible Studies, explains the College's approach to distance learning: "It would be very simple for us to write a course and post it off to the student, but we would never consider this, the key is to success is support. If students are to perform well on an external course, they require expert guidance and tutorial support. This is why, in opening the Marine Learning Centre and entering into partnerships with other organisations, we can maintain the quality of learning for which the College is renowned."

The College is now developing a system of flexible courses at all levels from OOW upwards, meaning that deck and engineering personnel can obtain higher level qualifications in their own time, without having to take long breaks from work. This has particular advantages for those who are not sponsored by a shipping company to obtain further qualifications, as they are no longer forced to take an extended break from work in order to attend the College. The distance learning modules for Engineering Class One (Academic) subjects will be available from February 2003.

In relation to Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) training, undertaken on behalf of clients around the world, South Tyneside College is leading the way as a provider of approved courses. The popular VTS Operator Basic Training course, operated by distance learning, is to be supplemented by an advancement training course, developed in co-operation with the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) and Marine Coastguard Agency (MVA).

Chris May concluded: "A changing industry demands innovative training, developed to suit the working patterns of shipping companies and their crews. As a leading training provider, we aim to maintain our position at the cutting edge of development in every sector. As technology continues to develop, we will embrace the possibilities that it brings, while striving to maintain our core values of excellence."

For information on all training opportunities at South Tyneside College, visit the website at www.stc.ac.uk or call the Information Centre on +44 (0) 191 427 3900.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of South Tyneside College by Robson Brown Public Relations


For more information contact:

Marine

Aston Bowles on (0191) 244 6663
Email: astonb@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Rob Lawson on (0191) 244 6662
Email: robl@robson-brown.co.uk   

General

Lesley Gosling on (0191) 244 6658
Email: lesleyg@robson-brown.co.uk
OR
Liz Simpson on (0191) 244 6659
Email: lizs@robson-brown.co.uk


Notes to the editor:

South Tyneside College
School of Maritime Studies & Engineering

South Tyneside College is among the world's premier institutions for the provision of marine and offshore training. The college, designated the National Nautical Centre for Excellence, is based at South Shields in the UK.

The Marine Simulation Centre has designed graphical simulations for the Tyne, Tees and Wear port authorities, in addition to providing port operatives training and simulated operations for a number of clients, including Shell and the Dubai Port Authority.

The college pioneered VTS training to the international standard, becoming the first in the world to offer IALA-approved VTS 103 courses. So far, more than 60 existing VTS Operators from several ports in the UK, including Sullom Voe, Peterhead, Tees & Hartlepool, Harwich, London, Southampton, Holyhead and Sunderland have attended the college.

The college offers STCW 95 and tailored courses for deck, engineering and electrical personnel, including full safety training facilities. Around 5,000 students each year attend the Marine School, with around 50% coming from overseas, representing 74 countries around the world. Staff are recruited from specialist sectors within the marine industry, bringing with them the knowledge and experience needed to ensure the highest standards of teaching.

Companies who use the college for training include BP, Shell, P&O Princess Cruises, P&O Nedlloyd, Maersk, Clyde Marine and a large number of companies from the Gulf region.




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