50 Students Enjoy EDF Low Carbon Energy Course with the Smallpeice Trust

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, May 16, 2012 --(PR.com)-- From 18th to 21st April, fifty students from schools in the Somerset region have been learning how to solve some of the challenges facing the low carbon energy industry.

Led by educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust and sponsored by EDF Energy, the four-day residential course, which took place at the University of Exeter, introduced students to the challenges that face the modern low carbon energy world and gave them an opportunity to learn more about exciting industrial developments and the latest cutting edge technology.

Working in teams, the 13 and 14 year old students took part in a design-and-make project, led by engineers from EDF Energy, which challenged them to build a cooling system for a nuclear power station. The students also attended a presentation by the engineers, giving them an insight into what a career within the nuclear industry and in particular working for EDF Energy would be like.

As well as working on the design, build and test elements of the projects, they developed life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, time management, finance and presentation. The social programme included a film night, sports activities and a formal dinner and disco.

David Eccles, Head of EDF Energy’s Bridgwater office, said: “It’s really important for us to make sure that young people in Somerset are aware of the opportunities within the energy industry and have the right skills to make the most of them. Low carbon energy is vital for the future and we are passionate about passing on our knowledge and expertise to the next generation.”

Dr Andrew Cave, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with EDF Energy to run this residential course. Engineers are vital for this sector as the fossil fuels that we all take for granted aren’t going to last forever. This is a very exciting time to be getting into energy and we hope that this course will inspire more young people to consider it as a future career.”

All Smallpeice courses are linked to the National Curriculum and are designed to improve core skills such as team building, financial management, communication and problem solving. By attending one of their courses students will gain experience of university and working life that will accelerate their personal development and their potential for greater academic achievement.

The Smallpeice Trust Engineering Experience course is part of an ongoing programme of subsidised residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing.

Founded by Dr Cosby Smallpeice in 1966, The Trust has grown tremendously over the past 46 years, helping thousands of young people find a successful career in a multitude of disciplines within the industry from engineering materials, marine technology and naval architecture to nanotechnology and structural engineering. Through running residential courses and STEM enrichment days, 18,175 students have attended a Smallpeice activity in the past year.

Bookings are now being taken for summer residential courses including a further Low Carbon Energy Challenge at Newcastle University from 23rd-26th July. Visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk or telephone 01926 333200 for further details.

Notes to editors:

About The Smallpeice Trust:

The Smallpeice Trust is an independent charitable trust which promotes engineering as a career, primarily through the provision of residential courses for young people aged 13 to 18.

The Smallpeice Trust was founded in 1966 by Dr Cosby Smallpeice, a pioneering engineer and inventor of the Smallpeice Lathe. Following the stock market flotation of his company Martonair, Dr Smallpeice invested his energy and part of his personal fortune to set up the Trust to ensure that British industry could continuously benefit from his proven design and engineering philosophies: “Simplicity in design, economy in production.”

The Trust is now governed by an eminent board of non-executive trustees and members from a diverse range of engineering, industry, educational and professional bodies.

In the past academic year, The Smallpeice Trust has reached out to 18,175 young people through 37 different subsidised 4-day residential courses and 1-day in-school STEM Days. The Smallpeice Trust has also trained 674 teachers to enhance their delivery of STEM in the classroom.

A strong interface is maintained with industry, education and professional bodies that help to support, promote and develop the courses. Through these relationships the Trust is also able to provide a number of tailored or specialised courses.