School Children Work with Elddis in Engineering Challenge

Elddis Ltd joined forces with the Derwentside Engineering Forum for this year’s Engineering Challenge. The project encourages year 9 pupils from schools from all over the North East to take an interest in the different types of careers available in engineering and manufacturing.

This year the challenge focused on the design and construction of a wind turbine, fully operational lift and a remote control car. Elddis Ltd volunteered to help the children from Consett Community Sports College, County Durham.

Gemma Ross, PR and Communication Executive at Elddis, said: “I was one of the mentors working with Consett Community Sports College. It was great to see the children develop their own projects and gain confidence in their own abilities. It was also a great opportunity for them to ask about the different careers in engineering and manufacturing.’

Schools from all over the North-East are involved in the challenge, organised by Derwentside Engineering Forum. The final was held at Derwentside College where all of the remote control cars, wind turbines and lifts were judged by a panel from the industry on their build quality and performance.

Consett Community Sports College were crowned the overall winners of the competition for the third successive time.

Steve Ford, Managing Director at Elddis, said: “Elddis were proud to be associated with this competition again. It allows us to show the strength of manufacturing capabilities in our region and 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 a career in engineering when they leave school."

Published: 14/03/2008