Future engineers hit national stage
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TALENTED engineers and physicists of the future have been praised at a Ross-shire school after they competed in a national final against hundreds of pupils from dozens of other schools.
Pupils from Alness Academy put their engineering skills at an event aimed at encouraging more young people into science, technology, engineering, or maths (Stem) related careers.
Organised by the Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland (YESC), more than 300 youngsters took part in the final of the Don’t Waste a Drop challenge – which tasked pupils across the country with designing and building a pump and pipeline that could transfer water without wasting a drop.
The final was won by Sgoil Dhalabroig primary school and Robert Gordon’s College secondary school.
But Alness’s efforts were hailed by leading national water retailer, Wave, which helped to create this year’s challenge.
Its public sector manager, Tony March, said: "Congratulations to the pupils from Alness Academy for undertaking our water related Stem challenge. This event has been a great opportunity to show these talented young people the wide variety of careers open to those with Stem qualifications and get them excited about their future job prospects.
"We’re proud to have supported this challenge and to highlight not only the difficulties faced by water suppliers in keeping water flowing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but also to inspire the next generation of Stem recruits, highlighting the variety of careers open to those with Stem qualifications.
Rebecca MacLennan, YESC’s programme director, added: "Water leakage is an important issue for households, businesses and the environment. The theme of water conservation provides a topical context for pupils in schools across Scotland to develop their interest in science and engineering.
"Throughout the challenge they have developed valuable skills for learning, life and work while gaining a fantastic insight into the diverse range of career opportunities within Wave and the sector."
