Students Enjoy Engineering Construction Course with the Smallpeice Trust

Leamington Spa, United Kingdom, May 17, 2012 --(PR.com)-- From 2nd to 5th April, 100 promising students from across the UK benefited from a unique learning experience at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Campus.

Sponsored by the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and delivered by educational charity The Smallpeice Trust, this 4-day residential gave students an invaluable insight into the exciting industry of engineering construction. The course gave 13 and 14 year old students (Year 9) the chance to explore the world of engineering construction through a series of exciting, hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Over the four days, students were mentored by real-life engineering construction professionals and guided through every stage of project development, from initial design ideas to final testing. Students also received valuable careers talks from Siemens and EDF Energy.

Competing in teams, students were set the challenge of planning, designing and working on one of two projects that really stretched their imagination and encouraged them to think laterally. The first project was led by graduates from Babcock and entailed constructing a caisson, a watertight structure that can be used for repairing ships. The second was led by The Smallpeice Trust in which students had to design and build an offshore wind turbine. Throughout the design-and-make process, students were confronted with real-life issues throughout the process, including the need to work to a budget while making the project commercially viable.

David Edwards, Chief Executive, ECITB said: “The ECITB is delighted to be working together with the Smallpeice Trust. The Engineering Construction course at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford campus is just one of what we hope will be many successful collaborations.”

Dr Andrew Cave, Chief Executive of The Smallpeice Trust commented, “We were delighted that the Engineering Construction Industry Board sponsored this course at the University of Wolverhampton. Engineering construction has played and continues to play a vital role in major projects including Heathrow Terminal 5, the Olympic Aquatic Centre roof and Wembley Stadium and it is absolutely vital that we inspire the engineers of tomorrow!”

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 Engineering Construction 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.