A group of TTE trainees have completed a special project to support the maintenance of the pitch at Middlesbrough Football Club’s Riverside Stadium.
The 12 young people, who are all currently working towards engineering qualifications at TTE, have modified a specialist lighting rig, which helps keep the pitch in prime condition.
Featuring 600 watt sodium lamps, the unit replicates the effect of natural daylight on areas of the pitch to maintain the health of the grass during the winter months. However, the ground maintenance team at the Riverside wanted to improve the effectiveness of the system by bringing the lamps closer to the pitch.
Having worked with TTE last year on the production of heavy duty rakes used for pitch maintenance, the club approached the Middlesbrough-based technical training provider with this new project for its trainees.
A team of four fabrication students shortened the metal frame while eight electrical trainees re-wired the unit and undertook a process of testing and inspection to ensure it was working efficiently and safely.
The project was part of a week-long work placement, which took place at the Riverside Stadium and part of the trainees Engineering Study Programme.
Study programme learners spend two years working towards respected vocational and technical qualifications at TTE’s training centre in South Bank, spending a large proportion of their time in its uniquely equipped workshops.
There is then the potential for a further two years spent working at sponsoring companies’ premises, as apprentices, to earn additional vocational qualifications and, most importantly, gain hands-on experience working in an industry environment as part of a skilled workforce.
Steve Grant, Managing Director of TTE, said: “This project demonstrates the diverse range of applications for the skills and competencies being gained by trainees at TTE. We are very proud of the group that completed this project in a safe and productive manner. They conducted themselves very professionally during their time at the Riverside and are a credit to TTE. TTE is also proud to be supporting Boro on their way back to the Premiership!”
Mark Ellis, Chief Operating Officer of MFC, said: “As part of Middlesbrough Football Club’s commitment to the local community we were delighted to be able to support the trainees’ progression with this project. It gave them the chance to apply the skills they’ve gained in a practical setting and work alongside our experienced professional ground maintenance team.”
Tony Bell, Middlesbrough FC’s Head Groundsman, said: “The trainees have done a marvellous job modifying the rig, which supports our commitment to maintaining the best possible playing surface at the stadium.”