Teams selected for Siemens Roller-Coaster Challenge 28 January 2014

Eaton Bank Academy, in Congleton, Cheshire, has completed knockout round to select two top teams to go forward for the Siemens Roller-Coaster Challenge final, taking place on the 12 February 2014.

The competition, open to six schools across Congleton and Macclesfield, challenges pupils from years 7 to 9 to work with Siemens' mentors to design and build a roller-coaster, using parts supplied by the manufacturer.

"The level of enthusiasm from the teams is terrific," comments Siemens engineering apprentice Conner Bottomley, who has been working with students at Eaton Bank. "They have come up with some incredibly innovative designs."

This is the second year that Siemens, working with marketing agency TMC Strategic Communications, has run the competition. Designed with the aim of widening the appeal of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), it was piloted in Congleton in 2012.

"This is just part of the significant investment we dedicate to skills," states Finbarr Dowling, managing director of Siemens Congleton.

"It echoes the spirit of our Junior Factory, launched in November, where we entrust our young apprentices with running a production line at the Congleton site," he continues.

"Equally we want young people to have fun making things, so this challenge is a fantastic way of engaging with our local community."

The Roller-Coaster Challenge team won the 2013 EEF (the national manufacturers organisation) regional Partnership and Education Award and has since been shortlisted for the national EEF award, which will be held in London at the end of this month (January 2014).

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
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