Motherwell Bridge has ensured that Scotland will maintain its proud engineering tradition after lending its support to a unique initiative, aimed at encouraging schoolchildren to consider a career within the industry.
Thirty-five S4 and S5 pupils from across Lanarkshire, attended the Motherwell Bridge Engineering Challenge which was held at the University of Strathclyde between the 29th June and 3rd July 2009, and throughout the week they were provided with an insight into the world of engineering.
Mentored by under-and-postgraduate students, the children were introduced to the various different engineering disciplines such as electrical, mechanical and design, and were tasked with producing and presenting a short proposal on how Scotland could meet its future energy needs by utilising conventional and renewable energy sources.
The pupils from Braidhurst High, Bellshill Academy, Coltness High and Duncanrigg High then attended an awards ceremony at which they all received certificates from Hugh Hayes, chairman of Motherwell Bridge.
Mr Hayes said: “Scotland has produced some of the world’s most famous and important engineers and we want to ensure that, as a country, we maintain this proud tradition. That’s why initiatives such as the University of Strathclyde Engineering Challenge, sponsored this year by Motherwell Bridge, are so important.
“We need to take every opportunity to ensure that we have a steady stream of young engineers coming up through the ranks, and this initiative will assist pupils in developing the kind of engineering skills that are in great demand, not just in Scotland but throughout the UK.
“Many young people aren’t aware of the full range of career opportunities that exist within the sector but hopefully, by sponsoring the course, we will be able to inspire the next generation of engineers.”
Christine Percival from the University of Strathclyde added: “It is essential that Universities work hand-in-hand with professions and industry to encourage young people to be motivated to become the graduates of tomorrow.
“I am delighted that Motherwell Bridge has demonstrated its commitment, not only by providing scholarships to the local community, but by actively taking a leading role in the careers / industry afternoon and acting as ‘Dragons’ in our challenge presentation sessions.”