Lincolnshire school students were challenged to build a sorting machine from recyclable, recycled or repurposed materials at the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology STEM Challenge Final last week.
Working at the Lincolnshire Showground with a mentor from a local employer, the students had to design, develop, build and test a machine to sort and move items while learning about the importance of reusing materials and the circular economy.
The Automation and Recycling Challenge tested students on their STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) knowledge and their ability to work as a team with their classmates.
The annual STEM challenge, created by the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology in partnership with the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, seeks to raise the profile of STEM careers among school children.
The event at the Lincolnshire Showground also served as the end-of-year celebration for the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub and was open to careers leaders, education providers and employers who are involved in the Careers Hub network.
“This event was a great way to celebrate everything that was achieved this year by everyone involved with the Careers Hub,” said Lee Douglas, Careers Hub Lead at the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.
“Hearing from some passionate guest speakers about insights into future skills requirements and future opportunities for schools was a highlight, as was seeing how engaged the students were with the STEM challenge!”
Councillor Patricia Bradwell OBE, Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, opened the event and praised the work of schools, colleges and employers in continuing to improve careers education across Greater Lincolnshire.
She said: “The event was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our young innovators and the incredible potential that STEM education holds for the future of Lincolnshire.”
The event closed with a celebration of careers champions across Greater Lincolnshire, an opportunity to shine a spotlight on individuals, organisations and education providers in Greater Lincolnshire who have made a positive, notable impact in careers education.
Click here to see a full list of the 2024 careers champions.
The Careers Hub network is delivered by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP with funding from the LEP and local partners including Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council and Rutland County Council.
Follow the Greater Lincolnshire LEP on LinkedIn for more updates from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP Careers Hub.
