TDI Challenge

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 'TDI CHALLENGE 2011' FINALISTS...

14-16 Age Group

1st – Katie Barnes (Balcarras School), Good Vibrations 
A solution to dampen excess vibration from computer game console accessories (such as the drum kit used with Guitar Hero), which demonstrated the identification of a real-life problem, a successful solution and the development of a marketable product. 

2nd – Class award (Bolden School), Jewellery
Five students – whose return journey to the TDI Challenge totalled 10 hours! – presented their pewter cast, resin coated and gemstone embellished jewellery designs which showed aesthetic design and exquisite craftsmanship. The students were Abigail Puttock, Kyle Gill, Rebecca Charlton, Jordan Turnbull and Jack Ames, and their teacher was Sandra Michejew.

3rd – Charlotte Watt (Kendrick School), Hand Stand
A unique hand shaped docking station for MP3 players that both recharges and plays audio through a concealed speaker system. Battery powered, the design is functional with a youthful edge. 

Finalist - Max Pinkney (Hinchingbrooke School), Music Stand with Page Turning Device 
A transportable and height adjustable sheet music stand incorporating a foot operated page turning device. The stand is also decoratively veneered.

17-19 Age Group

1st – Adam Pettitt (RGS Worcester), iSurf Trolley
A lightweight, folding aluminium trolley designed to carry water sports equipment of any size to and from beaches, lakes and other water sport sites. Created to plug a gap in the market with functionality and competitive price. 

2nd – Johannes Hertel (Langley School), Rotational Moulding Machine
A fully functional model of a rotational moulding machine designed to be used in schools and colleges for educational purposes. The machine works to its requirements and can produce hollow objects (such as Easter eggs!). 

3rd – Adam Lockett (Hind-Leys College), Desk fan  
A versatile, self-powered and rechargeable desk fan designed to be used in non-powered sites. The smart looking fan is also environmentally friendly, through its reduced energy usage.  

Finalist - Emma Garlick (Balcarras School), The Tyre Problem
A project addressing the environmental problem of what to do with old tyres and car parts, this functional and fun piece of furniture is made from old tyres and vehicle springs to impressive effect.

In addition, a special prize was awarded to an entrant in the under 14 age group. Congratulations to Verity McVey (Royal Masonic School) with her project, the Aeroplane Candle Holder, made of sheet metal and pop rivets. 

Winners and finalists were presented with prizes ranging from iPads, iPods and Amazon Kindles, as well as gift vouchers, and all attendees were treated to a tour of Yamazaki Mazak’s European Technology Centre and Manufacturing Facility.  

Shortlisted finalists who were unable to attend included:

Lucy Mulholland (Grosvenor Grammar School)
Lewis Nisbet, Daniel Watt, Richard Wootton and James McDiarmid (Merchiston Castle School)
Meghann Taylor & Reece Booth (St Albans Catholic High School)
James Theophilus (Chipping Sodbury School)  

You can download the press release here. Please contact Nick Stamp for photography from the day, or see a selection of images in our gallery here.

The design & technology challenge that isn't a challenge

Free to enter and no additional work required

Laptop and ipod prizes to be won

The MTA's TDI Challenge exists to help teachers and lecturers to promote the great work of their D&T and Engineering students and to celebrate the creativity and innovation taking place inside the curriculum. In turn, the competition helps our industry to better understand the challenges that education is facing and how we might be able to assist through collaboration.

WHO SHOULD ENTER?
Anyone aged 14-19 who has created an impressive Design & Technology project within school.

WHY ENTER?
Why not? It's free and there's nothing to lose, and you could win a laptop or an iPod. Plus, finalists get a tour of a modern manufacturing plant and the opportunity to build links with their local engineering firms.

HOW DO I ENTER?
Simply download an application form or complete the form online, and send one or two pages of your project with a completed application, to:

TDI Challenge
Education & Training Department
Manufacturing Technologies Association
62 Bayswater Road
London, W2 3PS

Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges who select the top twelve projects to attend the TDI Challenge Final hosted at Yamazaki Mazak's European Technology Centre in Worcester in July.

The chosen finalists display their portfolio of work in Mazak's atrium, and give a brief presentation to the judging panel who will decide the overall prize winners.

All finalists will receive a guided tour of the European Technology Centre, and a presentation certificate and goodie bag to take home.

Schools are offered press-release templates and photographs from the day to assist in their own local profile-raising.

(one application per student please)

PLEASE NOTE: Applications for 2011 are now closed. Applications for 2012 will open in April. 

If you have any questions regarding the TDI Challenge please contact Nick Stamp on 020 7298 6400 or alternatively send an email via the contact us section of this website.

The TDI Awards are organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association – a UK trade association representing the interests of firms involved in engineering based manufacturing and promoting the industry as a whole.