School children in scrap heap challenge with North-East Manufacturer

A NORTH-EAST manufacturer has joined a scrap heap challenge to introduce school children into the engineering industry as part of a national recycling initiative.

The Engineering Challenge is part of a national initiative into recycling steel and involved volunteers from Elddis Limited helping children from Consett Community Sports College, County Durham, to build remote control cars.

Gemma Coates, System and Material Coordinator at Elddis, said: “I was one of the volunteering mentors for the pupils, it was great fun. The challenge was very successful as it really benefits the children. It gives them an insight into engineering and teaches them how to work in a team.”

Schools from all over the North-East are involved in the challenge, organised by Derwentside Engineering Forum. Once the remote control cars are built they are judged by a panel with the winners receiving vouchers, certificates and plaques.

Steve Ford, Managing Director at Elddis, said: “This is the second initiative we have been involved in with North-East schools and colleges and we believe they are incredibly important. It allows us to show the strength of manufacturing capabilities in our region, emphasise the importance of recycling and allows us to tap into the creative minds of children, which is a enlightening experience.”

Head of Technology at Consett Community Sports College, Martin Johnson, said: “The challenge encourages pupils who are interested in engineering to explore further into the industry. It is a great activity for them all, teaching them to meet deadlines, work as a team and be responsible.

“With Elddis and other companies mentoring the pupils, it gives them an opportunity to find out more about the industry and whether they want to pursue engineering as a job when they leave school.”

Published: 07/03/2007