F. Ball gave year 10 students from Westwood college, in Leek, the chance to pit their wits against other aspiring engineers from 24 Staffordshire schools and compete to build and race an electric kit car as part of the competition.
As a sponsor of the Westwood College team, F. Ball covered the costs of competing and worked closely with the students to help design and build the electric kit car.
Now in its sixth year, the annual Young Engineer of the Year competition was founded to inspire young people studying STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) and to equip them with skills for industry. The scheme aims to close the STEM skills gap and open up career paths for students in the local area.
The final of the competition was held at Mallory Park racing circuit, and the Westwood College team came 10th in the first of two races and 11th in the second, achieving a respectable best lap time of 2 minutes 52 seconds.
Commenting on the efforts of the Westwood College students, F. Ball Managing Director, Mark Hughes said: “It’s a privilege to be able to support Westwood College in the Young Engineer of the Year initiative. Developing links with local schools and colleges and inspiring young people to be the engineers of the future is something we’re passionate about. Well done to the students who took part.”