Five Engineering Projects That Have Shaped Sheppey 

Engineering is about transforming ideas into reality and solving real problems, in addition to working with machinery and buildings.  

On the Isle of Sheppey, engineering has played a crucial role in preserving history, building our local communities and connecting people with new opportunities.  

At EKC Sheppey College, our Level 2 Engineering course can equip you with the skills to be part of this exciting field. 

Here are five engineering projects that have made a significant impact on Sheppey, to give you an idea of what you could work on after College: 

Sheerness Clocktower 

The Sheerness Clocktower, a Grade II listed monument, underwent a complete restoration to address structural issues and to preserve its historical significance.  

Engineers carefully took apart the clocktower, transported it to a workshop, and actioned extensive repairs, including recasting the damaged cast-iron components and restoring the clock’s mechanical mechanisms.  

The restoration also involved recreating the original gas lantern brackets and repainting the structure in its original green and gold colours. When the project was completed, the clocktower was returned to its prominent position in the Sheerness High Street.  

If you’re exploring the local area at lunchtimes, it’s hard to miss. 

Wind Power on the Island 

Sheppey is home to several wind turbines, including the New Rides Wind Farm near the island’s north coast.  

Civil Engineers designed and constructed strong foundations to support the turbines, whilst Electrical Engineers installed the necessary infrastructure to connect them to the national grid.  

Mechanical Engineers ensure that the turbines operate well all-year round by maintaining each part, including the blades.  

This project is helping to provide clean, renewable energy to the local community. 

The Kingsferry Bridge 

The Kingsferry Bridge is a vital link between Sheppey and the rest of Kent. 

If you live outside of Sheppey and travel to the College, you may see the bridge everyday without realising that Engineers are so involved.  

Recently, it underwent significant engineering work so that it can continue to work and give access to boats, cars and trains.  

Engineers replaced 40 critical cables that are essential for the bridge’s lifting mechanism, whilst ensuring that it is strong enough to continue to have both road and rail traffic.  

This project involved precise calculations and careful installation to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity.  

Dockyard Church Restoration 

The Sheerness Dockyard Church is a historic building that was destroyed by a fire in 2001.   

Thanks to a team involving engineers and extensive engineering efforts, it has now been transformed into a community hub.  

The restoration included reconstructing significant features, repairing the parapet, and installing a new staircase.  

Engineers also worked on the church’s interior, preserving original features like cast iron columns and incorporating modern elements such as underfloor heating and partitions to create a modern space for community activities. 

Port of Sheerness 

The Port of Sheerness plays a significant part in the Isle of Sheppey’s economy.  

It serves an area of more than 1.5 million square metres and is one of the largest foreign car importers in the UK. 

Thanks to engineers, it has been undergoing significant upgrades to enhance its capacity and efficiency.  

A team are currently constructing a new floating pontoon supported by steel that is driven deep into the riverbed.  

This development aims to accommodate larger vessels and improve the port’s ability to handle increased cargo traffic, reinforcing Sheppey’s role as a key part of maritime trade. 

By studying Engineering at EKC Sheppey College, you’ll gain practical skills and real experiences, so that you can look towards a future in one of the world’s most important industries.  

Our courses are designed to help you learn and grow, with a balance of core employability skills alongside your subject-focused studies.  

Sheppey and the UK need the next generation of engineers, which could be you. 

Learn more about our Engineering courses.