ABERDEEN’S Bankhead Academy’s Young Engineers’ Club came out tops at this year’s Celebration of Engineering & Science Festival for young folk in Scotland.
On June 19, about 600 young engineers gathered at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, where each club showcased its engineering and science activities before taking part in a series of three-minute technology challenges set by 30 Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) members, including OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy, BP and Shell, for the title of Club of the Year.
The event, organised by the SCDI, saw fierce competition between 50 or so Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC) from around Scotland.
Jane Martin, SCDI’s project manger for YESC, said: “There are fantastic opportunities in science and engineering, yet the sector has often struggled to attract the skilled people it needs. The Young Engineers and Science Clubs are focused on getting young people interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and maths, and working to overcome skills problems.
“Alongside the activities and technology challenges, the event was visited by the Institute of Physics’ Lab in a lorry, Nasa astronauts and Keith Brown, MSP, Minister for Schools and Skills, who presented the awards to the winning teams at Glasgow Science Centre.”
And the list of winners:
Young Engineer for Britain Awards:
Design, innovation and presentation, £100 – Grant Walker, Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh.
Product development and marketability, £100 – David Muir, Duncanrig Secondary, East Kilbride.
Integration and application of electronics, £100 – David Muir, Duncanrig Secondary, East Kilbride.
Manufacture and finish, £100 – Ruaridh Rafferty, Merchiston Castle, Edinburgh.
Overall Winner, £200 and trophy – David Muir, Duncanrig Secondary, East Kilbride.
John Golder Memorial Challenge:
Primary winner, £250 – Clarkston Primary, Airdrie.
Secondary winner, £250 – Nicolson Institute, Stornoway.
Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland Technology Challenge Awards:
Primary winner, £250 and trophy – Simpson Primary, Bathgate.
Secondary winner, £500 and trophy – Hawick High.
Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland Showcase Awards:
Primary winner, £250 and trophy – Newlands Primary, Borders.
Secondary winner, £500 and trophy – Glasgow Academy.
Swanston Memorial Prize for best individual achievement, £100 and trophy – Greig Farrell, Galashiels Academy.
Club of the Year, £750 and trophy – Bankhead Academy, Aberdeen.