The Diploma in Chemical Engineering (DCHE) implemented a suite of skills-based modules in its spiral curriculum to develop in students a safety mindset alongside the technical competencies required by process technicians in chemical processing industries according to the Singapore Skills Framework. Work shared here is from the third skills-based module, Process Operations Skills 1 (POS1) where students will attain process operation skills and safety mindset specifically to prepare process equipment for maintenance. Preparing equipment to render it safe for maintenance requires the application of Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) by identifying hazards and the control measures to take, and applying Safe System of Work (SSoW) framework and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on the process where the equipment is used. In POS1, they will extend the WSH knowledge learnt earlier and apply SSoW framework for the first time. Since students were new to mechanical work and have few chances to practice the skills due to limited actual equipment available, DCHE incorporated immersive technology in form of an immersive virtual experiment (IVE) into a learning activity to develop students’ competency using control valve isolation as a basis. Thereafter, students had to demonstrate the competency by isolating a pump on an actual test skid. Survey findings showed the IVE was effective as students could better visualise and understand the rationale behind the steps to isolate a control valve. Most felt more prepared to demonstrate knowledge transfer to prepare an equipment for maintenance. Reflections of students’ learning experiences using the IVE and subsequent application of learning on the test skid suggested they had acquired skills needed to develop competency in preparing process equipment for maintenance work with a safety mindset. Finally, plans to continue developing safety mindset and technical competences using immersive technology into other skills-based modules are shared.
