A Stevenage school came top of the class at a major competition designed to get more young people involved in manufacturing.
Barclay Academy, which is located on Walkern Road, took on 14 other schools at the Design & Make Challenge at the University of Warwick’s Innovation District, securing the Innovation Award.
Organised by the Manufacturing Assembly Network (MAN), the winning team used a box of simple materials to build a device that could securely lift a 23kg metal block with nothing more than a pulley system.
The students designed, tested and built their solution, working closely with apprentices from the eight MAN companies and graduate engineers from WMG’s SME Group.
“What a fantastic way to celebrate the 5th year of the Design & Make Challenge, with the biggest turnout of students we’ve ever had – that really shows the appetite to learn more about a possible career in industry,” commented Austin Owens, Managing Director at Grove Design and Co-Chair of the Manufacturing Assembly Network.
“The competition is all about inspiring young people to get hands-on with design and engineering skills, working together to come up with a solution that then competes with other schools in terms of efficiency, innovation and design for manufacture.”
He continued: “All of the MAN companies were so impressed with the quality of thinking and the sheer commitment from pupils to see their ideas through – even though it may have taken several iterations to get there. That’s what our sector is all about and I’m sure we’ve seen potential engineers from Barclay Academy in the room during this competition.
“We’d love to make it even bigger and are urging other manufacturers, funders and schools to come forward and get involved. Together we can start to bridge the skills gap industry continues to battle against.”
Barclay Academy received a 3D Printer as part of their prize package, which was sponsored by 3DPrint UK. This was taken back and will be used to develop additive manufacturing and design skills.
Dr Mark Swift, Director of SME Engagement at WMG, University of Warwick, whose team supported the students on the day, concluded:
“Design & Make connects young people with dynamic manufacturers whilst they are still at school and making future career decisions – this is critical for addressing the UK’s engineering skills gap and fostering a culture of innovation.
“Early exposure and practical experience help to inspire the next generation of engineers, equipping them with the necessary skills to ultimately develop new technology and grow our world leading manufacturing sector.”
About the Manufacturing Assembly Network
Formed in 2006, The Manufacturing Assembly Network is made up of Alucast, Brandauer, Fluxsys, Grove Design, James Lister & Sons, KimberMills International, Nemco and PP Control & Automation.
The six sub-contract manufacturers, a specialist in electrical machines and drives and a leading engineering design agency form the unique global collective that works together to share best practice and secure contracts for UK industry.
Together, the group employs over 1000 people, operates across twelve factories and exports to more than 35 different countries.
