Using 3D printing, they have recreated a section of the Huddersfield Broad Canal towpath, complete with a working lock mechanism. A team from Jackson is working in the area to improve the towpath besides the canal on behalf of the Canal & River Trust (CRT).

The student project – called CanalWorks 3D – took place over four sessions and culminated last week with a presentation from students and the unveiling of the models at Kirklees College Technology Centre.

The collaboration kicked off in the classroom last month, when a Jackson team visited the students and talked to them about careers opportunities in civil engineering, and the scope of the canal towpath improvement works. The students then visited the work site on the banks of the canal: measuring, sketching, and photographing details while seeing engineers in action and experiencing first-hand how an infrastructure project like this comes together.

A few weeks later, back at college, students refined their models with guidance from guest consultants Matt Ives, Senior Engineer at the CRT and Neil Tissington, a director from local ground engineering firm Central Alliance, alongside the Jackson team. The students tackled real engineering challenges, iterated designs, and applied CAD and 3D printing skills. The enthusiasm shown by the students was really special, as they set about tackling practical problems just like professional engineers.

The final result? A scaled-down proportionate model that showcases the students’ skills, teamwork, and creativity – highlighting the power of industry and education working together to inspire the next generation of engineers.