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Challenges & competitions

There are a variety of challenges and competitions young people can take part in, which give them the opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of manufacturing and product design. As an employer you can contribute to young people’s learning experience by providing support and assistance for the following challenges and competitions which can be completed as part of the student project:

Food and Drink Schools Challenge
PrintIT!
Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge

Food and Drink Schools Challenge

The Food and Drink Schools Challenge gives young people the chance to create a new food or drink product and has been developed by the sector skills council for food and drink, Improve. Students look at the different stages of product development through creating a new sandwich, pizza, smoothie, muffin or breakfast bar. They work together to decide on the product values and manufacturing requirements, as well as consider costings, sales and marketing. You can get involved with this challenge through working with schools and colleges and contributing your manufacturing expertise.

You can learn more about this challenge by visiting the ImproveSkills website and reading the case studies below:

PrintIT!

Schools and colleges teach students about the exciting world of printing through the interactive PrintIT! learning programme. It is an extensive training package which has been developed by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, in partnership with teachers and employers. It combines the theory and practical, and also gives you the opportunity to help young people with their learning experience.

PrintIT! is suitable for the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD) at Foundation and Higher level as the content is flexible and links directly to several of the Principal Learning topics. Through becoming involved you can help students develop promotional products, as well as gain an understanding of sustainable design and its environmental impact.

Schools and colleges receive free packs including student workbooks and course notes for teachers and lecturers, as well as lesson plans. They can also access online resources and develop links with employers in the printing industry.

To learn more about this programme you can visit the PrintIT! website or contact Paul Evans.

Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge

As part of the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design (MPD), young people can choose to design a CO2 - powered car and take part in the Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge. This will give them the opportunity to put the theory they have learnt into practice and gives you the chance to see what they can do.

The challenge gives students the chance to work in small teams to design a car using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and consider the business plan, aerodynamics and budget. Young people showcase what they have learnt and the car they have designed when they race against each other side-by-side along 20 metre straights. Design, marketing and presentation skills are also taken into consideration.

To find out more about this challenge you can visit the Formula One in Schools Technology Challenge website.