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MTA SUPPORTS TECHNOLOGY TALENT

Published : July 28, 2008

The MTA is supporting the development of grassroots engineering technology talent coming through Britain's schools with its involvement in the Technology Design Innovation (TDI) Challenge. The national competition, jointly run by the Association and the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP), seeks out the most innovative designs created by students studying at UK secondary schools. The Challenge sits well with the MTA who are incredibly keen to nurture the next generation of engineers for the benefit of engineering based manufacturing.

Sixteen projects made the final, including a fully-functioning, 3 metre long 'go kart' and, the 17-19 age group winner, a guitar with an integrated amplifier - designed and created by Jerome Roberts of St Marks Catholic School in Hounslow, Middlesex. The 15-16 age group was won by Tom Collier whose impressive bird feeder wowed the judges.

Nick Stamp, MTA Education and Training Coordinator commented, "The standard at this year's competition was incredibly high. Work submitted by the students making the final was truly innovative and all presented commercially viable products which were well thought out from the outset. The young engineers who take part in the TDi Challenge are those who will hopefully end up guiding the future of our industry."

Nick Baldwin, Director of TEP and a judge at the event, described the day as "a testament to the great efforts of teachers and students in cultivating and nurturing creativity and innovation in schools and colleges."

He added: "The TDI event is now an established date on the calendar for Design Technology and Engineering departments throughout the UK, as shown by the entries received from as far afield as Scotland and Northern Ireland."

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Summary of winners:

15-16 Age Group
1st - Tom Collier (Langley School), Bird Feeder (image attached)
2nd - Lauren Edwards (Richard Lander School), CAD/CAM Mood Lighting
3rd - Andrew Dunn (Yarm School), Petsafe Electronic Sleep & Release System

17-19 Age Group
1st - Jerome Roberts (St Marks Catholic School), Guitar with Integrated Amplifier (image attached)
2nd - Sam Perry (Royal Grammar School, Worcester), Innovative Guitar Stand
3rd - Matthew Keeves (Ysgol David Hughes), Handsfree Torch

2. Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP)

TEP is an established and prestigious programme aimed at supporting and improving teaching and learning in the fields of Engineering, Design and Technology. TEP is supported by Gatsby Technical Education Projects. Visit TEP at: www.tep.org.uk .