EKC Canterbury College held the Amey Challenge Cup, a project which inspires female Secondary School students to investigate future careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
The Amey Challenge Cup takes place around the UK, with EKC Canterbury College the chosen venue for the Kent challenge. The competitors must work with their teams to design, construct and pitch a new bridge based on a client brief.
Students from The Royal Harbour Academy in Ramsgate, Herne Bay High School in Herne Bay and EKC Sheppey Secondary took part, supported by EKC Canterbury College staff, mentors from the industry and EKC students from Engineering and Computing courses.
The judges panel comprised of Toby Howe, Highways and Transportation Strategic Resilience Manager, Kent County Council; Tina Eager, Senior Lecturer in Computing at Christchurch; Holly Stokes-Geddes who is currently a PHD in Physics at the University of Kent; and Jack Packman, Mayor of Margate. Judging criteria included project design, construction of the model, use of essential teamwork and their ability to adapt to a last-minute change.
Aspiring Engineer, Emily-Jade, from Herne Bay High said: “I study Engineering at School, and I am the only girl in my class. Most girls are put off as it’s mainly boys in the class. I think this event is important to encourage other girls to get into the industry.”
Science Teacher, Sue Holland, from The Royal Harbour Academy, was rooting for her students defend their title. She said: “We won last time we came. It is such a great opportunity for our female students. It’s crucial that our students understand the many roles that our available to them, particularly in STEM careers.”
Student ambassador, Charlotte Bissell, who was once taught by Sue, is now a T Level Engineering student at EKC Canterbury College. Throughout the day she offered the competitors help by sharing the expertise she had gained from her course. Charlotte explained: “I am now on the second year of my course. It has given me so many opportunities to explore the careers available in the Engineering world. I now know that I would like to work in CAD design. Seeing other female students excited by Engineering is great.”
Social Value Manager for Amey, Melanie Rogers, was thrilled to see the confidence and skills of the students develop throughout the day.
Melanie said: “It has been an incredible day. The Amey Challenge Cup is a fantastic way to introduce females to Engineering. It’s been lovely to have this partnership with our local Colleges and we hope to inspire even more women in STEM with EKC Canterbury College in the future.”
EKC Sheppey Secondary secured the win in the Amey Challenge Cup, receiving recognition not only for their technical and creative approach, but also their presentation skills, adaptability, and consideration for the environment.
EKC Canterbury College looks forward to continuing this partnership with Amey and inspiring future students into careers in STEM.
Learn more about our Engineering, Manufacturing and Automotive courses and where these can lead you.
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