Twenty ambitious young engineers recently enjoyed a unique learning
experience at Flakt Woods in Colchester, turning their creative
engineering ideas into reality in a Dragon’s Den type challenge.
The group of 16 to 17 year old students, spent the day discovering
their potential, by meeting the challenge of designing a commercial
skydiving training facility for up to 4 people, at any one time, to
help them to learn to skydive safely. The project was demanding as
it involved fast-track learning on the principles of keeping people
suspended in an airstream whilst consuming the least amount of
energy – therefore being the most commercially attractive
proposition.
At the end of their day, the students pitched their ideas to a group
of engineering experts and business professionals from the Industry,
whose job it was to judge which of the entries were best – acting as
the “Dragon’s” by asking searching questions of the four teams
presenting.
The day was organised with the Arkwright Trust; who award scholars
to students with an interest in pursuing a career in engineering,
held by Flakt Woods, and supported by BT and CIBSE. It provided an
introduction into how technical innovations can be produced,
marketed and sold in the real world. Students learnt everything they
needed to know about starting their own flourishing enterprise,
including technical, financial and marketing advice.
They discovered how to adopt the right commercial model for their
business – an important ingredient for making money – and how to
change it as new competitors enter the market.
Throughout the course, students developed life skills such as
teamwork, communication, problem solving and time management.
The day was conceived by Flakt Woods Sales Engineer Faye Young – the
CIBSE YEN Chair for the region who commented “We are delighted to
have teamed up with BT and CIBSE along with the Arkwright Trust to
run this course.
There’s a major skills shortage in the engineering sector, so
engaging young people in the possibilities of the field is vital to
addressing this issue. All credit to the students, as they all
embraced the opportunity and showed great commitment and enthusiasm
to their projects and the course as a whole.”
“The winning team have the chance to compare their concept with
reality – as each member has the opportunity to experience the real
thing at a facility using our fans in Milton Keynes!”
Phil Lennard, Director – Education Outreach BT Innovate & Design,
added “It was inspiring to see the students become engaged in the
event so quickly; they embraced the technology and seized upon the
opportunities and challenges that technology can often bring.
Additionally, it was really impressive to see them work together to
form cohesive and effective teams, especially as most of them had
never met before. Finally, seeing these young people develop their
ideas into potentially excellent revenue generating opportunities
was just excellent.”
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