8TH JUNE 2022
Pupils from across Scotland yesterday celebrated the completion of a 12-week long STEM competition designed to launch them into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths careers. The Scottish National Final of the Industrial Cadets Bronze Project was held at Dynamic Earth on Tuesday 31st May. Pupils had the opportunity to showcase their hard work to a panel of expert judges, plus guests from industry, government, as well as their families.
Thanks to the tremendous support and sponsorship of recycling and waste management company, Viridor, 6 teams of pupils from schools across Scotland competed for the National Winners Award. Teams this year included pupils from Merchiston Castle School, Whitehill Secondary School, Woodfarm High School, Auchmuty High School, St John Ogilvie High School and Our Lady and Saint Patrick’s High School. All 6 teams had previously beaten stiff competition to win Best Overall in their respective regions. Woodfarm High School from the Glasgow region were ultimately awarded the winning prize as the judges deemed they had had successfully met every aspect of the project brief. Additionally, the Pupils’ Choice Award – voted for by all pupils in attendance at the event – was awarded to St. John Ogilvie High School from the South Lanarkshire region.
Guests from local government attended in support of the project in addition to parents, as well as industry mentors who have supported the pupil teams throughout the entirety of the project. EDT would like to thank Jamie Hepburn, MSP and Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training who attended as a guest speaker to offer words of congratulations to the pupil teams.
Viridor operates the Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre (GRREC) at Polmadie for Glasgow City Council, diverting waste from landfill, maximising recycling opportunities and attaching a purpose to non-recyclable waste by generating enough electricity to power 8,000 homes. As part of the project, pupils had the opportunity to experience a virtual site visit to Viridor’s Glasgow Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre (GRREC), giving them a behind the scenes insight into STEM industry and how STEM is being used to help tackle issues such as waste and climate change.
EDT would like to take the opportunity to thank Viridor once again for their continued support in enabling pupils to gain this fantastic insight into STEM industry and to receive an Industrial Cadets Bronze Level Award.
“The standard of these projects has been incredibly high, and students have demonstrated their enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of STEM subjects by reaching the National Final. It is wonderful that we can showcase each of the projects and celebrate the teams’ achievements through this event and we are delighted to present the students with the awards and recognition they deserve for their efforts.” Chaz Watson, School Programme Officer at EDT
“Industrial Cadets Bronze has been a fabulous initiative raising the profile of STEM within out school and encouraging collaborative working between departments and pupils alike.” – Teacher, Woodfarm High School
“The national final was the perfect event for the regional winners to showcase each of the projects and celebrate their teams’ achievements. Viridor are delighted that our partnership with EDT affords young people the opportunity to experience careers in STEM related subjects.” -Steven Don, Viridor Head of Contracts Scotland
ENDS
For more information on Industrial Cadets and the Engineering Development Trust, contact Steven Brown: s.brown@etrust.org.uk 01707 906 547
Notes for Editors
About EDT
EDT (Engineering Development Trust), offer young people active learning experiences in STEM related careers, giving them the opportunity to gain knowledge and exposure that will help them make decisions about their future. We are a nationwide educational charity engaging young people through focused experience days, projects and placements which continue to take place virtually.
EDT’s Vision
EDT's vision is to create a society where young people across the UK have equal access to engage with STEM activities and achieve their potential in STEM careers and opportunities for further study.
Comments