A New Chapter in Engineering Excellence

Ourselves and IMH Forge a Partnership, Elevating Practical Learning in Hydraulic Engineering, We're thrilled to share some exciting news from our School of Engineering here at Hartlepool College. Our new partnership with the renowned hydraulic engineering firm, Industrial and Marine Hydraulics Solutions (IMH), has paved the way for an innovative learning space: The IMH Hydraulic/Pneumatic Lab.

IMH, with its roots in Middlesbrough, has not only been a beacon in the hydraulic engineering sector but also a firm believer in nurturing fresh talent. This year, they've welcomed four apprentices from our college, further solidifying their commitment to fostering the next generation of hydraulic specialists.

The IMH Hydraulic/Pneumatic Lab isn’t just a name on a door; it’s a hub of real-world, hands-on learning for our students. Thanks to IMH’s generous donation of hydraulic equipment, including a pivotal hydraulic power unit, our students can dive into practical experiences, exploring and understanding the intricate workings of various hydraulic components used in the industry today.

Ian Bannister, IMH’s Engineering Manager and a proud alumnus of Hartlepool College, shared his enthusiasm: “IMH has a robust connection to Hartlepool College, and we’re over the moon to give back to the partnership, supporting the development of budding engineering talent. Having the hydraulic/pneumatic lab named in our honour is a proud moment for us. The hands-on access to equipment means students can see systems in action, identifying and troubleshooting maintenance issues firsthand.”

James Griffiths, Managing Director at IMH, echoed the sentiment: “Our partnership with Hartlepool College is rooted in shared values and a mutual commitment to quality training. We chose to collaborate for our most recent apprenticeships due to the College’s top-notch facilities and the high calibre of its students. The ethos of blending practical and theoretical training aligns perfectly with our core values. Together, we’re excited to nurture a future workforce that boasts a rich blend of experience and technical knowledge.”

Hartlepool College, celebrated by Ofsted for its transformative apprenticeship programme, is no stranger to developing the next wave of industry professionals. Chris King, Head of Engineering Apprentices, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “Welcoming IMH into our community is a joy! Working with an organisation that not only values apprenticeships but embeds them into their future plans is truly advantageous. IMH’s involvement, especially when interacting with students, sparks engagement and injects a real-world perspective into our programme.”

He added, “Seeing Ian, a former student, maintain his passion for engineering and training is inspiring. We’re eager to collaborate, developing more engineering careers in the years to come.”

Join us in celebrating this partnership and the bright future it heralds for our students and the wider engineering community. Here’s to the IMH Hydraulic/Pneumatic Lab, where theory meets practice, and our students prepare to shape the future of hydraulic engineering!