Devonport High School for Boys Students Gain Unique Insight at Tamar Crossings
Devonport High School for Boys Students Gain Unique Insight at Tamar Crossings
Four students from Devonport High School for Boys spent a valuable week at Tamar Crossings as part of their work experience program, exploring the engineering systems that keep our community moving. Throughout the week, the students had the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of two iconic transport links: the Tamar Bridge and the Torpoint Ferry.
A Walk Above the Tamar
One highlight was a guided tour of the Tamar Bridge with our civil engineering team. The students ventured onto the walkway suspended beneath the bridge, an incredible vantage point 100 feet above the river, offering a unique perspective on the structure’s design and maintenance. They also spent time with Heritage Officer Mark Tebbs, learning about the history of the Tamar Crossings.
Inside the Ferry’s Heart
The experience continued at the Torpoint Ferry, where the students explored areas normally off-limits to the public, including the complex engine room. Here, they met our marine engineering and electrical teams, learning how these specialists keep the ferries running smoothly every day.
Presenting Their Ideas
To round off the week, the students split into two teams and delivered presentations on how they would design interactive workshops for schoolchildren to teach them about the history and workings of Tamar Crossings. Their ideas were presented to a room full of Tamar Crossings management and were very well received, with all four students speaking confidently and sharing detailed, creative concepts.
By the end of the week, each student expressed enthusiasm for pursuing careers in marine or civil engineering, inspired by their hands-on experience.
Student Reflections
“If I had to give advice to anyone else about to do work experience, I would say to come here because it covers a lot of different interests, particularly engineering.” said one of the students about his time during the week.
They also said “Learning about the history of the ferry was really interesting, I really enjoyed exploring the engine room and going through doors that said ‘no access’”.
The Importance of Work Experience
Paul Scott, Career Leader at Devonport High School for Boys has said, “The importance of work experience for year 10 students is not just about seeing a workplace it’s about being involved and feeling like they’re making a difference with real employers. Working with adults for the first time in their lives and actually being able to converse with them in the workplace is really important, and making sure the entire week is impactful and gives them something to build on in the future is what we really want from it, and that’s what we got from Tamar Crossings.”
Tamar Crossings is proud to support local students in exploring STEAM careers and gaining practical insights into the engineering roles that keep our transport network running.
If you’re interested in work experience opportunities or school visits, find out more here.