Nuclear Course a Resounding Success for the Smallpeice Trust

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, May 13, 2012 --(PR.com)-- From 11th to 13th April, forty students from North Wales have been learning how to solve some of the challenges facing the nuclear industry. Sponsored by Bangor University and the National Nuclear Laboratory and led by educational charity, The Smallpeice Trust, the four-day residential course introduced students to a variety of topical subjects, including radiation, the environment, health and safety and decommissioning of plants.

Working in teams, the 13 and 14 year old students took part in a combination of presentations, workshops, practical ‘design-and-make’ projects, and a final assessment which involved wearing full protective clothing.

The design-and-make project, led by real engineers from the National Nuclear Laboratory, challenged students to move waste from one location to another. It involved the students pitching their idea in a “Dragon’s Den” type of scenario in order to gain funding, allowing them to then go out and make their design.

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 social programme included a quiz, sports activities and a formal dinner and disco.

Stevie Scanlan, Marketing Manager from Bangor University’s College of Physical & Applied Sciences said: “We’re delighted to host an event which engages young people in some very real scientific scenarios. We hope that their participation will encourage them to continue their interest in science subjects, this year we were joined by some Engineers from the Magnox Graduate Training Programme who came to help out with the activities. We were pleased to be able to again offer this course at no cost to the pupils who attended.”

Gemma Murphy, Head of Marketing and Development for The Smallpeice Trust added: “Thanks to Bangor University’s generous sponsorship, we are pleased to be able to offer students from North Wales this unique insight into the nuclear industry. The importance of reducing carbon emissions and ensuring secure energy supplies is leading to exciting developments in the nuclear sector. It’s opportunities like these which will inspire our students to tackle these challenges and take a lead in future developments.”

All Smallpeice courses are linked to the National Curriculum and are designed to improve core skills such as team building, financial management, communication and problem solving. By attending one of our courses students will gain experience of university and working life that will accelerate their personal development and their potential for greater academic achievement.

The Smallpeice Trust Nuclear Engineering course is part of an ongoing programme of subsidised residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing.

Founded by Dr Cosby Smallpeice in 1966, The Trust has grown tremendously over the past 46 years, helping thousands of young people find a successful career in a multitude of disciplines within the industry from engineering materials, marine technology and naval architecture to nanotechnology and structural engineering. Through running residential courses and STEM enrichment days, 18,175 students have attended a Smallpeice activity in the past year.

Bookings are now being taken for summer residential courses. Visit www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk or telephone 01926 333200 for further details.

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.

In the past academic year, The Smallpeice Trust has reached out to 18,175 young people through 37 different subsidised 4-day residential courses and 1-day in-school STEM Days. The Smallpeice Trust has also trained 674 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.