| Summary of Event The EESW Sixth Form Projects scheme has been an annual North Wales Area calendar event for many years. Funded by the Welsh Government, it involves teams of sixth formers from schools and colleges across the area working with a sponsoring company on a ‘real’ project over a period of 6 months. During this time, the teams are given access to workshop facilities as well as support from the sponsors. The projects culminate in the Llandudno event when the projects are assessed against a number of criteria and requires a written report to be produced, as well as a presentation to the assessors. In addition to providing assessors for the event, The North Wales area sponsors one of the Project Awards every year. This is the Ian Binning Award for ‘The Best Use of Mechanical Engineering Principles’, named in memory of one of our members who contributed significantly towards Institution STEM activities in the Region. This year a total of 18 teams participated from a total of 11 schools and colleges across the North Wales Area. There were a total of 6 awards available, including the Ian Binning award. Assessments As in previous years the assessors were drawn from PEIs and other professional organisations. This year there were a total of 8 IMechE members assessing, as well as 3 from the IET and at least 1 from the ICE. The total number of assessors was 18, so the PEIs made a substantial contribution. A CPD certificate of accreditation was provided for each assessor. The standard of work by the sixth formers continues to be high. There had been some difficulties in securing sponsoring companies this year and as a consequence there were some new players who perhaps were not aware that the teams would require support, particularly at early stages of projects. There was concern expressed by some teams that this support had not been forthcoming. Nevertheless, the young people were all very enthusiastic and willing to adapt to these challenges. The team numbers varied but the total number of students amounted to about 100 of which 30% were female. The team that won the Ian Binning award this year was Denbigh High School working with Ifor Williams trailers to design a modular pallet based storage and transport solution for parts. The project required considerable CAD work including FEA, as well as 3D printing of the proposed system. An excellent project, well deserving of the prize. Awards The teams winning the 6 prizes were presented with a cheque for £500 by representatives from the award sponsors as well as a Team photo opportunity. |