LCR Robot Challenge – opening up young minds to manufacturing / engineering as a career choice
More than 50 schools from across the Liverpool City Region took part in the Robot Challenge Final which was held as part of the Skills Show at Aintree Racecourse.
Each Robot Challenge saw teams of students take part in a full day event starting with building their robots with the support of manufacturing employers in the region. The robots then competed in a series of challenges and the winners went forward to the final which was won by West Derby Comprehensive.
The initiative was delivered by MerseySTEM and organised and funded by the LCR Employment & Skills Board (part of the LEP). Heats were sponsored by a number of manufacturing companies from across the LCR and the presentation at the final was made by Making It Board Member Alan Seeley from Getrag Ford.
The event was a great success and the feedback from the pupils and their teachers was excellent. The Robot Challenge is of course designed to open up young people to what engineering is all about and provide a practical experience of basic design, mechanical engineering, problem solving and teamwork.
In addition the Skills Show showcased manufacturing and engineering to over 5,000 young people from all over the Liverpool City Region. The manufacturing exhibition space was extremely well attended with “hands on” displays proving the Liverpool City Region is on the front foot when it comes to engaging with the next generation of engineers, helping to position the LCR as a good place to set up, invest and grow.
