Last Updated on 4 October 2020 by Colette
*This is a commissioned post for the IET*
The Institute of Engineering and Technology is not usually top of my list of things to write about . . . however I wanted to tell you about a really cool competition they are running with Cadbury’s. Science and chocolate? That got your attention didn’t it?
Now the main purpose of the competition is about encouraging children (particularly girls) to understand more about the exciting career opportunities available in the science and engineering sectors. When you think about a career in Engineering what does it make you think of? For me if conjures up ideas of building bridges (yes I know that’s a bit random) . . but in reality engineering is all around us – from the smart phone in your hand to the your clothes.
With a continued shortage of engineering graduates and therefore a great demand for graduates and apprentices in this area, this is a great time to consider a career in engineering.
Ben is convinced that he’s going to invent either a time machine or a teleportation device – we even have lengthy discussions around the logistics of this (eg selling on-line to save money on premises or how many people would lose their jobs if nobody needed to drive any more . . . ) And whilst I’m clearly not convinced that he’s actually going to be able to invent either of these things, I can absolutely see him taking up a career in engineering and following in his Daddy’s footsteps. At the age of 16, Dave started working as an apprentice fabricator (which I always thought made it sound like his job was telling fibs rather than making things out of huge piece of metal!) and he has worked for the same company ever since, moving his way up to management level.
As I mentioned, the IET is currently running a competition supported by Cadbury’s to challenge kids to engineer the chocolate bar of the future – and the winning child will get the chance to go and see their creation being made at the Bournville Factory in Birmingham! Pretty cool right?
The #ISeeMore competition is open to children aged between 8 and 16, and closes on the 16 September 2017. You can see full details here: https://www.engineer-a-
