06.02.2006
The University of Brighton is hosting an inter-school competition in conjunction with major construction company, May Gurney, on Tuesday 7 February.
The May Gurney Challenge aims to attract young people into the construction and engineering industry and involves students aged 14-16 years old from five East and West Sussex schools.
Throughout the day students will be working in teams of five or six to research, design, budget, plan and build a model engineering solution to transport radioactive waste across a sensitive environmental area.
Once the students have built their 'device', they must present it to a panel of judges and compete in heats to show which design can carry and retain the most load whilst moving over an obstacle course. The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Councillor Bob Carden, will present the winning team's school with £500 towards engineering equipment of their choice.
Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor Andrew Lloyd said: "The competition aims to give young people an experience that educates and sparks an interest in the construction industry as well as giving young people the opportunity to learn new skills through practical experience. It also enables the students to meet and work with people who currently work in the industry and can offer information and advice."
Neil Oxenbury, contracts manager (East Sussex Highways) May Gurney, said: "May Gurney recognise the lack of awareness in the various careers offered by the construction and engineering industry from the young people and that is why they are offering this civil engineering day with the University of Brighton."
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
