Dr Sam Healy, Head of Corporate Responsibility, QinetiQ
As a significant employer of scientists and engineers, QinetiQ has a vested interest in engaging with young people with a view to encouraging them to consider careers in science and engineering. As part of our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities, we have been pleased to support Horndean Technology College (HTC) again this year, in their bid to compete in the Greenpower National Finals, which took place at Goodwood racetrack on 13 October.
As part of the Greenpower challenge, students aged 11-16 either design a car from their own imagination or build a kit car. All teams have the same motor and six 12-volt batteries, to be used in pairs. During the race at least five team members must drive the car, and up to six further members can act as pit crew. Other than the motor and batteries, all cars must follow a set of strict regulations but the variety of designs sitting on the grid before a race is quite amazing.
HTC’s journey to the final this year included competing at regional heats at Goodwood in the summer term and Dunsfold Park just two weeks before the final. On the final Race Day the team battled appalling weather conditions, with both cars needing to be recovered about halfway through the race. However, with the problems resolved, the cars went on to finish the race.
The quicker of HTC’s cars finished 23rd, from a qualifying position of 25th; the second maintained its starting position to finish 52nd. These results meant that HTC was the highest finishing Hampshire school, and the only state school in the county to even qualify for the race.
Head teacher, Julie Somerfield said of the event: “I am delighted for the students who have worked really hard as a team with our STEM ambassadors and their teacher. They have had a most enjoyable time and learnt much about engineering in the process.”
Our enthusiastic commitment to STEM outreach programmes is one way of helping future engineers and scientists. Other initiatives include our apprentice and graduate programmes, and our lead role in a new initiative, The 5% Club, to encourage UK companies to commit to increasing the amount of young people they take on as apprentices or graduates.
