Students Enjoy ECITB Engineering Experience Course with the Smallpeice Trust

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, April 28, 2013 --(PR.com)-- From 2nd to 5th April, 96 promising students from across the UK benefitted from a unique learning experience at Harper Adams University College in Shropshire.

Sponsored by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and delivered by educational charity The Smallpeice Trust, this 4-day residential gave students an invaluable insight into the exciting industry of engineering construction. The course gave 13 and 14 year old students (Year 9) the chance to explore the world of engineering through a series of exciting, hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Over the four days, students were mentored by real-life engineering professionals and guided through every stage of project development, from initial design ideas to final testing.

Competing in teams, students were set the challenge of planning, designing and working on one of two projects that really stretched their imagination and encouraged them to think laterally. The first project was led by Doosan Power Systems and involved building a bridge that could support the most weight. The second project was led by BNS Nuclear where students competed in an "Egg Launch Challenge" in which they were tasked with constructing a device that would propel an egg forward while ensuring that it did not break. Throughout the design-and-make process, students were confronted with real-life issues, including the need to work to a budget while making the project commercially viable. Students also received a valuable careers talk from Siemens.

David Edwards, Chief Executive, ECITB, said: “The ECITB is proud to work alongside The Smallpeice Trust to support the promotion of careers in the engineering construction industry. The residential experiences are incredibly successful and our members also recognise the benefits of engaging with young students to broaden their knowledge of the engineering construction industry and the careers it offers. It’s imperative that we work in partnership to attract the high number of new entrants needed to fulfill the demands of the industry.”

Dr Andrew Cave, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust commented, “We were delighted that the Engineering Construction Industry Board sponsored this course at Harper Adams University College for a second year running. Engineering construction has played and continues to play a vital role in major projects including Heathrow Terminal 5, the Olympic Aquatic Centre roof and Wembley Stadium and it is absolutely vital that we inspire the engineers of tomorrow in preparation for even more exciting projects to come!”

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 our 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 ECITB 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 47 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 and clubs, 20,353 students have attended a Smallpeice activity in the past year.

Bookings are now being taken for summer residential courses. Visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk or telephone 01926 333200 for further details.

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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 12 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 20,353 young people through 33 different subsidised residential courses, 1-day in-school STEM Days and STEM-in-a-Box kits. The Smallpeice Trust has also trained 913 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.
Contact
The Smallpeice Trust:
Gemma Murphy
+44(0)1926 333214
www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk
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