Pupils Full of Energy with the Smallpeice Trust
Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, July 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- From 12th to 15th July, 50 aspiring young engineers enjoyed a unique learning experience sponsored by and held at Aston University. The group of 16 and 17 year old students spent four days on campus as they tackled a variety of practical design-and-build projects which explored the fascinating world of energy generation and distribution.
The course provided an interesting mix of task work including a tour around the former power station at Hams Hall to learn about re-engineering of generator components and a visit to Ratcliffe, a coal-fired power station, to learn about modern environmental protection schemes. Students also enjoyed a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT Centre) who specializes in renewable energy demonstration schemes and completed the programme with a debate about the pros and cons of nuclear energy.
Throughout the four days students developed life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and time management. At the same time they got to sample university life, whilst finding out about relevant engineering degrees and future training routes. Social activities included a film evening and a sports night. On the final night, The Smallpeice Trust hosted a conference style dinner and disco, where students and supervisors had the opportunity to socialise and share their experiences of the week.
Spokesperson for The Smallpeice Trust, Claire Fisher commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Aston University to run an introductory course for students in such a crucial subject as energy. By the year 2050, world-wide demand is projected to be at least double its present level so it is vitally important that we inspire young people to take up careers in this industry to help tackle the potential deficit.”
Dr Trevor Oliver, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences at Aston University commented “The Power Engineering sector continues to have a growing need for young engineers to help meet the challenges faced. It is hoped that this course has given these teenagers a worthwhile insight into this exciting industry and will encourage them to consider careers in this area.”
The Power Engineering course is run by the independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme of residential courses to help young people aged 10 to 18 learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. Through running over 32 residential courses and STEM enrichment sessions, The Trust has reached out to around 15,603 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.
###
Notes to editors
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
The course provided an interesting mix of task work including a tour around the former power station at Hams Hall to learn about re-engineering of generator components and a visit to Ratcliffe, a coal-fired power station, to learn about modern environmental protection schemes. Students also enjoyed a visit to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT Centre) who specializes in renewable energy demonstration schemes and completed the programme with a debate about the pros and cons of nuclear energy.
Throughout the four days students developed life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and time management. At the same time they got to sample university life, whilst finding out about relevant engineering degrees and future training routes. Social activities included a film evening and a sports night. On the final night, The Smallpeice Trust hosted a conference style dinner and disco, where students and supervisors had the opportunity to socialise and share their experiences of the week.
Spokesperson for The Smallpeice Trust, Claire Fisher commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with Aston University to run an introductory course for students in such a crucial subject as energy. By the year 2050, world-wide demand is projected to be at least double its present level so it is vitally important that we inspire young people to take up careers in this industry to help tackle the potential deficit.”
Dr Trevor Oliver, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, School of Engineering & Applied Sciences at Aston University commented “The Power Engineering sector continues to have a growing need for young engineers to help meet the challenges faced. It is hoped that this course has given these teenagers a worthwhile insight into this exciting industry and will encourage them to consider careers in this area.”
The Power Engineering course is run by the independent educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme of residential courses to help young people aged 10 to 18 learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. Through running over 32 residential courses and STEM enrichment sessions, The Trust has reached out to around 15,603 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.
###
Notes to editors
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
Contact
The Smallpeice Trust:
Gemma Murphy
01926 333214
www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk
or contact:
Claire Ford
01926 333203
clairef@smallpeicetrust.org.uk
Gemma Murphy
01926 333214
www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk
or contact:
Claire Ford
01926 333203
clairef@smallpeicetrust.org.uk
Contact
Categories