Six Engineering students from the University Centre at Blackburn College are leading an innovative ambassador project, in order to inspire and encourage children in Lancashire to consider a future within STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
The peer-led project involves six BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree students from the University Centre at Blackburn College, who will build and modify two Ev Kart racing karts and develop a programme of interactive school workshops that will be based around the two karts.
As part of the project, industry expert Danny White visited the University Centre at Blackburn College to speak to the students and share his expertise of running a similar STEM ambassador program in Indiana and across the United States.
Danny is the Manager of Purdue University Motorsports within the Office of Engagement and works to deliver engaging College and Career Readiness STEM ambassador programmes through motorsports activities: “Delivering these ambassador programmes is instrumental in encouraging children to become the generation of future engineers.
“These programmes bring STEM into the classroom and ensure that children are aware of the opportunities available to them, developing well rounded and engaging curriculums.
Danny added: “Creating programmes around subjects that children find engaging, whilst also providing in-depth knowledge about several industries such as motorsports, IT, manufacturing, whilst learning about key employability skills.”
Richard Tafts, Health and Safety Manager at NIS Ltd, STEM Ambassador and the projects industry lead said: “This project is an exciting opportunity to develop a programme, which actively encourages the development and engagement of STEM activities across both Higher education (HE) and further education (FE).
“The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering students will lead that project; interviewing the FE students, choosing their team and deciding on the format and content of the school workshops. The FE students will then deliver the workshops.
“The project not only encourages STEM ambassadors within Lancashire but provides both HE and FE students with key employability and project management skills.”
Nicholas Hall, Business Development Manager at Blackburn College said: “We are delighted to be running this project with the support of Future – U and look forward to watching the project develop and engage with schools throughout Lancashire.”
