A NUMBER of city pupils are showcasing their talents in the city’s first ever engineering challenge for local primary schools.
Worcester City Council and the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership have engineered the contest in a bid to encourage more young people to consider a career in the profession.
For years employers have warned of an acute shortage of skilled engineers at all levels in the UK – it is estimated the country needs 1.8 million new engineers and technicians by 2025.
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire LEP said: “Worcestershire is a county that has a number of science and technology based businesses. Those businesses are experiencing skills shortage and therefore this exciting initiative is inspiring the next generation of engineers who will drive the economy in the future.”
Mounting evidence suggests that children need to be enthused and informed about the profession at a much earlier age.
Fifteen primary schools in Worcester have entered the competition, with heats taking place throughout February.
Coun Geoff Williams, vice chair of the City Council’s Economic and Place Sub Committee, said: “We would like children in every school in Worcester to have some hands-on experience of engineering, a clearer understanding of what engineers do and the huge impact their work can have in everyday life.
“Local employers tell us they are crying out for more people with specialist engineering, science and computing knowledge – there are really fantastic career prospects out there for those who do develop these skills.”
Children aged between eight and 11 were set the challenge to design and build a pedestrian bridge crossing the River Severn by Gheluvelt Park – a project which is being given serious consideration by the City Council.
The Council has joined forces with STEMworks (www.stemworks.co.uk), a local organisation specialising in education outreach work, to bring the challenge to local classrooms.
A winning pair of students will be chosen from each participating school to compete in the final, which will take place in Worcester’s Hive on Friday, March 2.
Worcester Bosch’s CEO Carl Arntzen and Philippa Smith, Deputy Director of Place at Worcester City Council will help judge the final event.
