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The East Lancashire Learning Group gives learners hands-on access to industry-standard equipment, including subsonic wind tunnels, hydroelectric test systems, material testing suites and advanced 5-Axis CNC milling machines.
These resources enable students to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, preparing them for careers in aerospace, mechanical engineering and sustainable technologies.
TQ AF100 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
The TQ AF100 Subsonic Wind Tunnel is giving engineering students a hands-on understanding of aerodynamics – the science of how air moves around aircraft wings, bodies, and other structures. The equipment allows students to visualise and measure airflow, lift, drag, and torque across a variety of wing sections, complete with smoke visualisation to demonstrate streamlines.
Used within the college’s aerospace and mechanical engineering programmes, students can design their own 3D-printed test models, simulate results in Creo software, and compare physical testing with virtual data. This combination of design, simulation, and experimentation builds deep practical understanding – the kind of experience that mirrors what’s used in real aerospace R&D environments.
Wind Turbine Test Tunnel
This specialist wind tunnel allows students to explore renewable energy generation by testing and optimising turbine designs. The equipment measures power output, efficiency, and the effect of blade pitch and wind angle – essential factors in developing sustainable energy technologies.
Students can 3D print and test their own custom turbine blades, applying theoretical learning to real-world design challenges. It’s an especially powerful tool for those studying sustainability, energy, or mechanical and aerospace engineering, linking academic study to one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.
Solar Heating System
The solar heating test rig demonstrates how solar energy can be harnessed to heat water for domestic and industrial use. By adjusting the panel’s angle and measuring efficiency, students explore the relationship between solar input, surface position, and heat output – valuable insight into renewable system design.
Through this equipment, learners gain hands-on experience in analysing and optimising solar energy systems, complementing modules in energy recovery and sustainability across BEng and HND programmes.
Hydroelectric Turbine System
This hydroelectric test system allows students to study how water flow can be converted into electrical power. The equipment simulates turbine operation with adjustable flow rates and interchangeable blade designs, helping students understand fluid mechanics and power generation.
By designing and 3D printing their own impellers or turbine blades, students test efficiency and performance, developing practical problem-solving skills essential for careers in sustainable energy engineering.
Fluid Flow and Jet Impact Systems
Students begin their fluid mechanics learning with static and dynamic fluid rigs that demonstrate principles like jet impact, flow measurement, and energy transfer. By altering jet shapes, pressures, and surfaces, they investigate how fluids behave – a vital step before progressing to more advanced equipment such as the hydroelectric system or wind tunnel.
These systems form the foundation of the college’s engineering science and sustainability modules, helping students translate complex fluid principles into visual, measurable outcomes.
Material Testing Suite
This comprehensive suite of material testing equipment introduces students to the science of stress, strain, and strength. The Testometric Tensile Tester measures how materials stretch or compress under load, the Rotary Fatigue Machine examines performance under repeated stresses, and the Charpy Impact Tester assesses how much energy a material absorbs on impact.
Together, they give students a full understanding of how materials behave under different conditions – essential knowledge for engineers working in product design, manufacturing, and aerospace. These machines are in frequent use across HNC, HND, and BEng modules in mechanical and advanced manufacturing engineering.
Mechanical Principles and Structures Lab
This collection of mechanical rigs allows students to experiment with deflection, bending, torsion, and structural stress – core topics in any engineering education. The equipment includes beam deflection and torsion rigs, pin-jointed frameworks to model truss bridges, and systems that simulate how materials react to different forces.
Used across all HNC and HND Engineering courses, this hands-on laboratory work helps learners connect theory to practice, preparing them for careers in design, construction, and analysis of real-world mechanical systems.
Engine Test Rig
This specialist test bed allows aerospace and mechanical engineering students to analyse a working petrol engine in detail. The system measures fuel consumption, pressure, temperature, and efficiency, and links directly to computer software to plot pressure-volume diagrams.
Students use the engine to collect real data for modules such as Thermodynamics and Aerospace Propulsion Systems, comparing experimental findings to theoretical predictions. It’s an invaluable resource for understanding power, performance, and sustainability in transport and aviation engineering.
Students on the Professional Healthcare Management and Health and Applied Social Science degrees at East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) are gaining critical digital skills through the IoT Health Informatics Lab – a state-of-the-art facility designed to prepare future healthcare managers for data-driven decision-making.
Funded through the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT), the lab is transforming the way students engage with technology in healthcare education.
The lab features high-specification computers built to handle local and national health datasets on a large scale, giving learners access to the type of systems used in professional healthcare settings. With dual-monitor setups and fast processing speeds, students can conduct complex data analysis, explore digital care models such as virtual wards and build confidence using technology that replicates real NHS and care service operations.
“We are training students to be confident, evidence-based managers,” says Justine Pollard, Programme Leader at ELLG. “Many come from areas of high deprivation and lack digital access, so the lab helps them overcome computer anxiety and gain the skills needed in modern healthcare.”
The IoT Health Informatics Lab is particularly valuable for students on the Foundation Degree in Professional Healthcare Management – a course tailored for non-clinical managers who oversee regulated services such as care homes. It enables learners to analyse big health datasets, conduct audits and track quality indicators – crucial skills for meeting regulatory standards and improving outcomes for service users.
Students explore government health statistics, perform Boolean searches on live datasets and simulate tasks such as monitoring complaints or incident reports, all of which are critical for evidence-based practice. The ability to use data confidently helps these future managers make improvements to care services.
“Healthcare is going digital,” adds Curriculum Leader Natalie Palmer. “From virtual wards to remote patient monitoring, our students need to understand how technology supports care. This lab helps them see how they’ll use digital tools in real practice which is a huge boost to their confidence and career prospects.”
Although access to sensitive clinical software is restricted for privacy reasons, the lab’s set-up closely replicates systems used in frontline digital care services, such as Airedale Hospital’s Digital Care Hub. Students become familiar with the hardware and processes used in virtual ward monitoring – a growing model in NHS and private care.
“This facility has made a huge difference to the quality of our teaching and the capabilities of our graduates,” says Justine. “They are more confident, more skilled and ready to drive quality improvement in their own settings.”
The lab prepares students for digital roles in healthcare by building practical skills in audits, data analysis and quality monitoring – all boosting their employability.
“This is about giving them the tools to lead with confidence,” Justine adds. “Digital competence doesn’t just improve compliance, it also gives our students a voice.”
HAAS VF2 SSYT 5-Axis CNC Milling Machine
At Nelson and Colne College, engineering students are gaining cutting-edge industry experience on the HAAS VF2 SSYT 5-Axis CNC Milling Machine – a precision system that brings advanced manufacturing to life in the workshop.
This state-of-the-art equipment, valued at around £90,000, is at the heart of the college’s investment through the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, offering learners the opportunity to design, simulate and produce components with remarkable accuracy and complexity.
The HAAS machine’s five-axis head means it can move and rotate the cutting tool in multiple directions simultaneously, allowing students to create intricate 3D shapes and detailed parts from metals, plastics and even wood. From small, engraved coasters to complex aerospace components, this machine can make almost anything – and with tolerances as fine as ±0.1mm, the results are industry-standard.
Programming is central to the process: around 70% of the work is done in software, using Autodesk Inventor Professional to design and simulate, before transferring code to the machine using HAAS’s widely recognised programming language. This blend of digital and practical skills gives students a full understanding of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) manufacturing – the same techniques used every day by engineering firms such as Hycrome, ELE, Safran Nacelles Ltd and WEC Group.
Once programmed, the HAAS machine automatically calibrates using probing technology, ensuring every job is aligned and executed with precision. This not only reduces human error but also mirrors the efficiency found in modern engineering environments, where downtime is minimised and productivity is key.
The college’s engineering team – including tutors John, Paul, Dariusz and Joe – bring a wealth of industrial experience to the classroom, spanning aerospace, manufacturing and machining. Workshop Tutor Dariusz Liro, who spent 14 years in industry managing laser and bending operations and working on aerospace projects for Hycrome, now shares that real-world expertise with the next generation of engineers.
“The HAAS is the bridge between learning and industry,” says Dariusz. “Students go from sketching and modelling in 3D to programming, simulating and finally producing a real part. When they complete this training, they’re ready to walk into companies using similar machines – or even step up to operate MAZAK systems.”
Students work through the full production cycle:
Each learner spends dedicated time mastering programming, milling and turning across 18 weeks of study, developing both creative and technical skills. The experience is directly aligned with Level 3 Machine Technician courses and higher-level HNC/HND and degree apprenticeships, providing the skills and confidence to thrive in high-precision engineering environments.
The HAAS machine operates all day, every day – a testament to its demand and importance. It embodies the College’s commitment to blending hands-on learning, digital innovation and industrial realism – ensuring every student leaves with the expertise employers are looking for.
At East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG), counselling students are developing practical skills in spaces that mirror real clinical environments thanks to a suite of purpose-built counselling pods that have been funded through the Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology (IoT).
Designed to address both academic and emotional needs, the pods create safe, professional spaces where learners can engage in realistic counselling scenarios, build confidence and develop the interpersonal skills needed for future practice.
Used frequently by learners on the Foundation Degree in Counselling Studies and the BA Top-up Degree in Counselling Psychotherapy, the pods replicate authentic counselling rooms. With warm lighting and acoustic privacy, the pods encourage trust and engagement, allowing students to practice skills, take part in supervision and record assessment sessions.
“Students feel like they are stepping into a real role,” says Steph Preston, Counselling Programme Lead. “It’s goes beyond role-play as they experience the vulnerability and responsibility that comes with being both client and counsellor, which leads to deeper empathy and stronger outcomes.”
Previously, classes had to operate in open-plan or shared classroom spaces, often leading to distractions, noise issues and challenges for neurodiverse learners. With the pods now in place, the student experience is elevated as sessions run smoothly, group management is easier and progress tracking is significantly improved.
Steph adds: “The environment matters. Our students come from all walks of life, many with lived experience or neurodiversity, and the pods help them feel professional.”
Beyond building core counselling skills, the pods give students a practical example of how to create their own therapeutic spaces. They learn how to set up environments that support client comfort and trust – from arranging soft furnishings and clocks to adapting spaces for online or private practice. This real-life experience helps to develop adaptable skills that boost their confidence and employability.
Gareth Henry, HE Curriculum Leader, says: “This investment was essential. We now have the facilities to match the quality of the programme and it’s helping our learners reach their potential.”
These pods aren’t just better rooms – they mark a new approach to counselling education.