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YINI Contribution to the Business Awards National Winners announced
This prestigious YINI national annual event, hosted by BT, took place on 15th September at the BT Auditorium, London. The event was sponsored by BT, Centrica, dstl, EEF, IET and QinetiQ and it marks the conclusion of another year of YINI work placements for students soon to embark on their university studies or currently on a sandwich year.
The event showcased the impressive work the 9 talented regional finalists have undertaken during their YINI placements and the tangible significant benefits to the companies. Each finalist from around the UK had previously won their regional heat and they were competing for 4 prizes on the night.
The winners of the 2009 YINI CttB National Award were announced on the night;
Adam Harrison (North West Winner) was the overall National Winner and won £1000 and the Centrica National YINI Contribution to the Business Award. Adam worked for Lattimer Ltd and designed and manufactured a new bottle transport system Adam's work on the new Latimer pusher system resulted in an easy-to-manufacture, retrofitable and cost-effective solution which works out 20% cheaper than the nearest comparable product on the market. Adam is studying Automotive Engineering Design at the University of Sunderland.
Sophie Jones (South West Winner) won the QinetiQ prize for Environmental Awareness for her project at Exception EMS Ltd. Sophie worked on a project to improve productivity through lean manufacturing. Sophie’s work resulted in a reduction in cycle time, a labour saving of £12,000 per annum and eliminated double handling which has cut inventory holding by £50,000. Sophie is going to study Innovative Manufacturing at Loughborough University.
Jonathan Patrickson (North East Winner) won the dstl prize for the Best Science and Engineering Application for his work with Darchem Engineering (a division of Esterline). Jonathan’s project involved Re-modelling and the re-design of Gas Turbine Transport Containers. Jonathan successfully re-designed lighter more durable gas turbine engine carrier with a value of £40,000 leading to a potential 300 sales in the future. Jonathan Patrickson is studying Product Design Technology at Northumbria University.
Alistair Morison (Scottish winner) won the EEF prize for Innovation. Alistair worked on a project at Aggreko to improve generator assembly line processes. Alistair has reduced the overall manufacturing process by 21 hours – saving just under £672 per unit, leading to a forecasted average saving of £400,000 per year for the next three years. Alistair is going to study Product Design and Innovation at the University of Strathclyde.
Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners at the event. The panel of five judges were impressed with the student’s presentations, most certainly when you realise that these students are 17/18 year old school leavers or 21 year old undergraduates part way through their degree.
Chris Ward, YINI Director comments; 'Once again the standard of the finalists at the 2009 Year in Industry Contribution to the Business Awards was extremely high. All 9 finalists gave polished presentations well beyond their years and all had made a significant impact on the company they spent their year with. When we see young scientists and engineers of this calibre you can only think that engineering and manufacturing will be in safe and very capable hands in the future.'
If you would like more information about the event including a case study flyer of the 9 finalists, or more information about YINI or the EDT please contact Clare Hall on 023 8059 7061 or c.hall@etrust.org.uk