Harris Academy students are taking part in an IET Faraday Challenge Day (FCD) on Friday 10th February. The students will become real-life engineers for a day when they research, design and build solutions to real engineering problems as part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology's  (IET) Faraday Challenge Day.

 

One-hundred and forty-seven school and sponsored events are taking place across the UK to host 2016/17 IET Faraday Challenge Days.

36 year 8 students will work in teams of 6 to compete to find the best solution to an engineering-related challenge. The events are free of charge and set up by IET staff and volunteers.

 

Holly Margerison-Smither, IET Faraday Education Manager said: "Students who take part in the Faraday Challenge Days this year will experience working as an engineer through hands-on and practical engagement with real-life challenges relating to the Land Rover BAR team in the hope that tis will give them an insight into the real life of a real engineer, the variety a career in engineering can offer and the central role it plays in our everyday lives.

 

"There is a huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we are confident that this will challenge young people's perceptions of engineers and inspire a new generation with digital technology."

 

The events aim to encourage more young people to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by using creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.

Each team member in the winning group will be awarded a prize and a trophy for their school.

 

Over the year the top five teams from across the UK will receive an all-expenses paid trip to the national final in 2017 to compete for a cash prize of up to £1,000 for their school.

 

The Faraday Challenge Days are part of a wider Faraday education programme, made up of a whole host of teaching resources and activities to inspire and attract the engineers of tomorrow.