Uk Engineering Challenge Attracts Tomorrows Engineers
Budding engineers from Hertfordshire schools took up the task of researching, designing and building solutions to real engineering problems at an event held at the University of Hertfordshire to encourage more young people to study and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The Faraday engineering challenge day on 15 June saw teams from Birchwood School, The Bishop’s Stortford High School and Stanborough School use their creativity and problem solving skills to create the most innovative and effective solution to the development of a remote operating system for use by doctors.
The event is one of forty-five Faraday engineering challenge days, organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which will involve pupils from 270 schools across the UK.
Gareth James, head of education at the IET, said: “The Faraday programme is all about inspiring and attracting tomorrow’s engineers. Engineering is often an invisible industry amongst young people. They also have preconceived negative ideas about what engineers look like and the jobs they do.
“Through these challenge days and the entire Faraday programme we aim to encourage more young people to study STEM subjects and consider engineering as a possible career path.”
The University of Hertfordshire has developed a comprehensive range of degree courses in engineering accredited by the IET as well as IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) and the RAeS (Royal Aeronautical Society).
Reza Sotudeh, head of the School of Engineering and Technology, University of Hertfordshire said: “We at the university are committed to promote engineering in the local schools, as well as nationally, and recognise the importance of working with younger pupils to inspire and excite them to pursue a career in engineering.
“The young people attending the challenge day have experienced hands-on, practical events which challenged their perceptions and made them realise engineering is an exciting, rewarding career path.”
For more information on engineering degree courses at the 'courses' section of the University of Hertfordshire's website.