Students Embark on Marine Technology Course

Forty 14 and 15 year old students from schools across the UK, recently attended the Marine Technology course from 27th June to 1st July at the University of Strathclyde. Students were given the opportunity to learn about marine engineering through a series of presentations and practical exercises. Working in teams, they were tasked with designing a radio-controlled replica of a large cargo ship to transport goods from Glasgow to Singapore.

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, July 04, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Forty 14 and 15 year old students from schools across the UK, recently attended the Marine Technology course from 27th June to 1st July at the University of Strathclyde. The residential programme was designed through a partnership between The Smallpeice Trust and the University of Strathclyde and was generously financially supported by The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust.

Students were given the opportunity to learn about marine engineering through a series of presentations and practical exercises. Working in teams, they were tasked with designing a radio-controlled replica of a large cargo ship to transport goods from Glasgow to Singapore.

An industrial visit to BVT Surface Fleet Ltd was also included in the programme which gave students an insight into engineering on a commercial scale.

Michael Franklin, Director of The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust commented, “This inspirational Marine Technology course has enabled students to learn all about the exciting careers available in this field of engineering. Through a combination of industrial visits and practical hands on learning, students have been able to mix with industry specialists and gain a true experience of this fascinating subject.”

Dr. Andrew Cave, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust commented, “Thanks to our sponsor, The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust, our second annual course in Marine Technology gives these outstanding students an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of naval architecture, ship design and off-shore construction. From looking at the design of their vessels and the team presentations, it is clear that the students have been able to apply their new found knowledge.”

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 students also attended career presentations from Babcock Marine, Marine Design International and Safety at Sea.

The course culminated with a reception and formal course dinner onboard the GlenLee Tall Ship on the Clyde. This spectacular venue provided a unique setting for the students to present their work to the companies that had supported the course along with specially invited guests.

The Marine Technology course is run by the independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme to help young people aged 10 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 15,630 students across the UK in the past year.

The new course timetable for 2011 will be launched in September. 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.

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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 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. Over the past year, The Smallpeice Trust has reached out to around 16,000 young people through 32 different subsidised 4-day residential courses and 1-day in-school curriculum enrichment masterclasses.

For more information, visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk

About The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust

The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust (LRET) is an independent charity that was established in 2004. Its principal purpose is to support advances in transportation, science, engineering and technology education, training and research worldwide for the benefit of all. It also funds work that enhances the safety of life and property at sea, on land and in the air.

For more information, visit www.lr.org/about_us/LRET
Contact
The Smallpeice Trust:
Gemma Murphy
01926 333214
www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk
or contact:
Claire Ford
01926 333203
clairef@smallpeicetrust.org.uk
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