Students On-Board to a Career in Marine Engineering Thanks to the Smallpeice Trust

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, August 03, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Thirty-nine students aged 15 to 17 from schools across the UK, recently attended the Marine Technology course from 21st to 24th July at Newcastle University. The residential programme was designed through a partnership between The Smallpeice Trust and Newcastle University’s School of Marine Science and Technology and was financially supported by Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF).

Students were given the opportunity to explore the technical challenges marine technologists face when working in extreme ocean environments where waves, wind and currents combine to produce some of the harshest conditions on earth.

Working in teams, they were tasked to design and build a floating platform which can support a subsea vehicle whilst operating in waves. Students also got to use state-of-the-art marine technology laboratories to measure the effects of extreme weather conditions on marine devices.

Students taking part in the course developed their core life skills in team building, communication, time management, problem solving and presentations. Social activities included a film evening and a trip to the local bowling alley. On the final night, the students attended a gala dinner at St James’ Park where they had the opportunity to socialise and share their experiences of the week with the supervisors and industry guests.

Eileen Kinghan, LRF Grants Manager commented, “This inspirational Marine Technology course has enabled students to gain a greater knowledge of marine technology and the many dynamic careers to be had within the field. Through a combination of industrial visits and practical hands-on learning, students have been able to work with experienced marine technologists and gain a true experience of this important engineering discipline.”

Dr. Kevin P Stenson, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust added, “Thanks to generous sponsorship from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, we have been able to run this brand new Advanced Marine Technology course as part of our annual programme. Students are provided with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of Marine Technology, concentrating on the exciting challenges faced by marine technologists. Having looked at some of the student’s designs and by witnessing their dedication it soon became apparent how enthusiastic the students were about the subject, applying their new found knowledge effectively to complete their team projects.”

Dr. Simon Benson, lecturer in Naval Architecture at Newcastle University, said “supporting Smallpeice courses is an invaluable opportunity for us to showcase the diverse range of teaching facilities and laboratories here at Newcastle University. Holding the course in the School of Marine Science and Technology opens the students’ eyes to the fascinating world of the marine industry, which is worth billions to the UK economy and is looking towards the next generation of high flying engineers to drive it further forwards. We are constantly amazed by the quality, enthusiasm and innovative thinking of the students who attend these courses and we hope that by giving them a great experience in the university they will be inspired to follow an exciting engineering career.”

The Advanced Marine Technology course is organised by independent charity, The Smallpeice Trust, and is part of an on-going programme of residential courses to help young people aged 12 to 18 learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. Through running residential courses and STEM enrichment days, The Trust has reached out to 17,495 students across the UK in the past year.

The new course timetable for 2015 will be launched in the autumn school term. Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. To find out more, visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk, or telephone The Smallpeice Trust on 01926 333200.

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.

Over the past year, The Smallpeice Trust has engaged with 17,495 young people through 35 different subsidised residential courses, in-school STEM Days and starting up STEM Clubs. More emphasis has been put on programmes physically delivered by The Smallpeice Trust. The Smallpeice Trust has also trained 1,280 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.

About Lloyd’s Register Foundation:

Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF), a UK registered charity and sole shareholder of Lloyd’s Register Group Ltd, invests in science, engineering and technology for public benefit, worldwide.

For more information, visit http://www.lrfoundation.org.uk/
Contact
The Smallpeice Trust
Claire Fisher
+44(0)1926 333203
www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk
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