Educational charity seeks budding young engineers!

Independent educational charity The Smallpeice Trust has launched its new 2009 course timetable and is now seeking hundreds of 12 to 18 year old students to sample their taster engineering courses. Any student can apply to attend a wide range of subsidised four day residential courses which take place at universities nationwide. Subjects include Biomedical Engineering, Design & Manufacture, Marine Technology, Power Engineering, Robotics, Supercomputing and Technical Textiles. These are designed to attract students that have an interest or natural flair in Science, Maths, Design or Technology to consider a career in engineering.

The University of Cambridge is hosting two different residential courses during 2009, of which the first is Materials Technology which takes place from 5th to 8th January. This course for 14-15 year old students gives them the chance to discover the rich and varied world of materials science, by transforming theory into practical reality and generating new ideas under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.

The second course to take place is Nanotechnology from 29th June to 2nd July. During this course thirty 16-17 year old students will discover the fascinating world of nanotechnology through a combination of lectures, workshops, hands-on projects and a site visit to our course sponsor TWI, a world centre for joining technologies where students will see nanotechnology in practice and examine the ways tankers and aircraft are fitted together.

On both courses students will meet and talk to young engineers who are following a path in these exciting fields, giving them a greater understanding of the wide range of career prospects that can be explored.
All Smallpeice courses are designed to improve core skills such as team building, communication and problem solving and are also linked to the National Curriculum. By attending one of our courses students will gain experience of university life and industry that will accelerate their personal development and their potential for greater academic achievement.

Courses costs and application forms can be accessed from www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk or by telephoning 01926 333200. Course costs include 4-days full board, all course materials and supervised social activities. Applications are reviewed and places offered on a first come first served basis.

Founded by Dr Cosby Smallpeice in 1966, the Trust has grown tremendously over the past 42 years, helping thousands of young people find a successful career in a multitude of engineering and technical roles within industry. Over the last 12 months, almost 8,000 students have attended a Smallpeice activity. This is expected to increase to 12,000 students by the end of this year.