Make It Work Robotics Challenge
December 14, 2018
Schools from across the Knowsley borough and Liverpool descended on our IAMTech campus yesterday as they competed to become Robotics Challenge Champions.
All about STEM, the brains behind Big Bang North West are hosting a series of heats across the Liverpool City Region, delivering free events for schools with activities designed to raise aspirations and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in schools, business, the community and beyond.
The events which are aimed to develop skills related to robotics and advanced manufacturing in the engineering sector are supported by the Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram.
The day saw students come together in teams of four to carefully construct a VEX robot ready for battle. Throughout the course of the day the students were supported by their teachers, KCC engineering staff and STEM Ambassadors.
Hosting the Knowsley Heats, KCC welcomed, The Prescot School, Lord Derby Academy, All Saints Catholic High School, Halewood Academy, Broadgreen International College and Harmonize Academy.
Alec Robinson, Head of Engineering at the College, commented saying, “It was an honour to be asked to host the event at our IAMTech campus and great to see so many students engaging in a manufacturing activity. This event is a great insight into the careers these students could be doing in the future”.
Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “It is brilliant to see so many young people enjoying the Make It Work Robotics Challenge. Sparking young people’s interest and enthusiasm is a vital part of getting more of them into studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects and subsequently into exciting and rewarding careers. That is exactly what this competition does and why we are proud to support it.”
Simon Smith, Facilities Manager GFT at Magna Powertrain, said: “It is so important for us as a company to support local initiatives that will make an impact on our future workforce. The Make it Work Challenge is a great opportunity for us to showcase the work that we do and the careers that we can offer to local young people. Our apprentices who supported the day were able to really engage in the build project with the schoolchildren. Not only did they get to share their learning and experiences with local schools, they had the chance to inspire the next generation.”
Michelle Dow, Managing Director of All About STEM said: “It is essential for our region’s future prosperity that young people have the skills they need and are enthused and excited to pursue them. We offer ‘in-person’ inspiration from real experts while learning real-life skills. Our events provide an interactive, exciting experience that can ignite our young people’s passion and spark their interest in STEM careers… and it’s so much fun! Our students are excited, focused and engaged, we’re so proud of them. They are all winners to us. Thank you to the Metro Mayor, the Combined Authority & GETRAG Ford (Magna) for their amazing support.”
The competition was close with a tense final between Halewood Academy and All Saints Catholic High School, with All Saints taking the title of Robotic champs!
The winning students will now progress onto to the prestigious Grand Final taking place later in the school year. There they will compete to be crowned ‘Make It Work LCR Robot Challenge Champions 2018/2019’!