AWE apprentices inspire the next generation

Apprentices from AWE hosted a ‘Design a Catapult’ challenge this week.

On Wednesday, five schools, from Hampshire and Berkshire, competed to be crowned the winners at the competition which was run to support the AWE Brathay Apprentice Challenge 2017 project.

AWE works actively with local schools to foster and inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

Teams of six pupils from year seven made up of three males and three females had to design a catapult, undertake a risk assessment and make a portfolio of their work at school, before bringing it to the final on Wednesday. Marks were given for power and accuracy and also for team work.

Science Teacher Vicky from the winning team, Testbourne Community School, said: “This has been a brilliant opportunity for the pupils who have loved every minute. The project has brought the pupils together as a team.”

 AWE year one apprentice and Brathay Apprentice Challenge team member, Tom Grimston said: “It was fantastic to see the hard work and planning of the teams has paid off. Every team has its own individual twist on the design, making every catapult unique.

 “Getting involved with local schools has been great opportunity to raise the profile of engineering and the fantastic opportunities an apprenticeship offers. From a personal perspective the project has given a boost to my confidence, has been excellent for networking and has been a good team building experience.”