FUTURE engineers from Rugby High School scored an industrial-strength success when their project was named the best among dozens at a national event – attracting the attention of a government minister in the process.
Six Year 9 students researched and designed an eco-hotel for a site near Rugby train station which would help commuters offset their carbon footprints – beating 40 competitors to the title of ‘Best Project’ at the Big Bang Event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
The success of the project, which was completed over ten weeks with the help of engineers from Network Rail, means the girls also achieved the coveted status of ‘Industrial Cadet’ – greatly valued by employers.
Taking place two days after National Women in Engineering Day, the event also gave the team a chance to meet Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, who asked them about their future careers in engineering.
Phoebe Attridge from the team said: “It was really nerve racking, but exciting – and I was relieved when the judging was over. It was interesting to meet someone from government.”
Celestine Adelmant added she was proud to represent future girls in engineering.
The team’s teacher Dr Juliet Fletcher said: “It is enormously valuable for students to take part in a project like this which enables them to see how the subjects they are learning at school are relevant in real workplaces and contribute to solving real problems.
“The insight into the working world that they have gained early in their secondary school career will inspire them to aim high in their studies so they can enjoy fulfilling future careers.”
The students in the prize winning team were Celestine Adelmant, Phoebe Attridge, May Burke, Ella Dixon, Riddhi Sharma and Katie Wang.
The Industrial Cadet accreditation was launched by The Prince of Wales in 2013 to raise aspirations of young people by giving them an insight into how businesses operate.
