UK: Bentley Motors inspires young engineers

The Festival runs from 30th June to 2nd July during which Bentley Motors will display some of their latest technical innovations as well as hands-on examples which demonstrate the value and fun of engineering.

The Learning Grid is a national, government and industry-supported organisation that seeks to enthuse young people aged seven years and upwards in science and engineering by offering hands-on experience.

This annual event at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire showcases a wide spectrum of industry-led engineering, science, maths, design and technology activities that are open for visiting school parties. In 2008 over 2400 children attended from 64 schools.

The team of six Bentley graduate trainees will take a variety of special activities and displays to Rockingham to encourage young people to become motivated by engineering. Alongside Bentley's latest models - Azure and Continental GTC, the Bentley stand will feature some interactive games and displays, as well as a downhill racer and the Bentley "Greenpower" car that was created by some of the Company's apprentices.

One activity will use remote control Bentley models to encourage children to think about materials that absorb impact on collision; Another activity will see teams competing against each other to position cars parts in order of build.

Rhys Morgan, team leader for the Bentley graduates said "We have made the activities as much fun as possible as we want to make them view engineering as ‘cool'. Our stand will offer plenty of hands-on opportunities to explore and we are confident the children will enjoy it and want to learn more."

Cameron Paterson, Engineering Project Leader for Bentley Motors added, "In the UK, take up of science based subjects is in the decline, threatening the future availability of scientists and engineers. By showing the pupils and, as importantly, their teachers some practical, real world applications and products, under the banner of a great Brand, we hope to help arrest that decline"

Christine Gaskell, Member of the Board for Personnel at Bentley Motors said: "Inspiring young people to engage with engineering is essential for us and the rest of industry. By doing events such as Rockingham we hope that children and teachers will view engineering - and the motor industry - as a great place to work."

"Longer term it will ensure the UK has the best young designers and engineers who will shape the Bentley cars of the future."

Credits: JRC