Students take on the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew with the Royal Navy

More than 100 Loughborough College Public Services students joined Royal Navy specialists in a disaster relief training exercise.

Students had the opportunity to assist The Royal Netherlands Navy, The British Royal Navy and the Royal Marines in a humanitarian exercise that took place at the training village at Bull Point, Devonport after the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew.

They were educated on how to respond and deliver emergency communications and protocols in real-life situations, putting into practice their theoretical knowledge on the British military and their NATO allies which was covered in their Citizenship lessons.

As part of the training, students acted as refugees who were searched, fed, watered and given medical aid before evacuating on to the UK’s high readiness assault ship, used by troops and sailors to save lives around the world when disaster strikes.  

Over the two-day training, students persevered through a cyclone of information, icy weather conditions and a flood of practical exercises to prepare them for the industry.

Anthony Louch, Lecturer in Public Services at Loughborough College, said: “Students benefitted from seeing the Gold Standard of leadership, teamwork, and military discipline in action.

“Seeing the navy and the marines in action as this massive operation unfolded was a real eye opener for all our learners. They had never seen anything like it.

“It gave them an invaluable experience and it was an exciting insight especially as some students may find themselves involved with operations like this within the next year. 

“The exercises contextualised the skills, discipline and behaviours taught on the Public Services course and as always the behaviour of all students was impeccable throughout the weekend; a real credit to the college.”

Loughborough College is proud to provide practical enrichment experiences for students to maximise their potential and opportunities for the future.