University welcomes aspiring Arkwright engineers
Experiments with ground penetrating radar and computer aided design to create prototype models were just two of many treats enjoyed by aspiring young engineers and designers when they visited the University of Greenwich at Medway.
The GCSE and A-level students from Kent and Medway schools took part in an engineering experience day organised by The Arkwright Scholarships Trust in partnership with the university’s School of Engineering, Rochester Bridge Trust and the Royal Engineers Museum.
The university and Rochester Bridge Trust are keen supporters of The Arkwright Scholarships Trust, a national charity dedicated to raising funds from businesses, institutions and individuals to sponsor talented would-be engineers through their sixth-form studies and into university.
Students interested in mathematics, physics, and design and technology from schools in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Gillingham, Rainham, Dartford, Sittingbourne and Orpington took part in an action-packed day and met current Arkwright Scholars from across the county.
They were introduced to the School of Engineering by Professor Ndy Ekere, told about the development of bridge design and the challenges facing 21st century engineers by Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk for Rochester Bridge Trust, and taken to the Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, to find out more about innovative engineering solutions past and present.
Professor Amir Alani, who holds the Rochester Bridge Trust Chair in Bridge and Tunnel Engineering at the university, provided participants with insights into new techniques, which use radar to identify and analyse damage and decay in bridges and other structures
“There was an incredible buzz throughout the day,” says Stuart Ashenden, Director of Academic Planning at the University of Greenwich.
“The students were keen to find out more about the many exciting career opportunities that are now available with engineering qualifications and just how much demand there is for good engineers in Kent and Medway.”
The Arkwright Scholarship Trust identifies and nurtures future leaders in engineering and design by awarding sixth-form scholarships to high-calibre year 11 candidates. Arkwright is currently supporting 562 scholars across Britain, of which 32 are based in Kent schools.
Georgina Hare, Arkwright’s Charity Relations Manager, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with the University of Greenwich and the Rochester Bridge Trust on this event for our Scholars and other students.
“We were particularly pleased to welcome students and parents from schools which have not been involved with Arkwright in the past.
“This is the first time we have supported an engineering experience day hosted at a university. The day was a tremendous success and will enable us to plan similar events in the future to help our scholars learn about engineering.”
Arkwright Scholarships are designed to stop finance being a barrier to very talented young people pursuing their passions for engineering and design, and provide opportunities for these students to enhance their knowledge of engineering and design careers.
To find out more about the Arkwright Scholarship Trust go to www.arkright.org.uk
For further information about engineering courses at Greenwich, see www.greenwich.ac.uk, call 020 8331 9000, or email courseinfo@greenwich@ac.uk
Find out more about the Rochester Bridge Trust here: http://www.rbt.org.uk/
Story by Public Relations
Picture: Aspiring Arkwright engineers test out ground penetrating radar at the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus.