The Torbay MADE Project, which inspires young people and promotes Torbay and South Devon’s manufacturing industry, is increasing the number of schools and students it is working with.
As the project grows and begins phase 2, more schools are partnering up with businesses to provide their students with work experience opportunities and get involved in challenge days and open days.
Torbay’s Elected Mayor and Chairman of Torbay and South Devon Manufacturing Forum, Gordon Oliver, said: “The project is raising the profile of careers within the engineering sector and the opportunities available locally, both now and for the future. By informing young people of the sectors which are growing in Torbay we can help raise skill levels, create opportunities and maintain quality full time jobs in Torbay. Over 2,000 students have engaged with the programme and it will be great to see even more get involved. ”
Schools that have taken part in the programme include Brixham College, Churston Ferrers Grammar School, Paignton Community and Sports Academy, St Cuthbert Mayne School, The Spires College, Torquay Academy, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School and Torquay Girls Grammar School.
Activities within the MADE programme give students the opportunity to get to grips with real life engineering and science, encouraging their future interest in manufacturing, engineering and advanced electronics.
One of the events within the programme is TechBay. Focussing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), TechBay is a unique hands-on, interactive experience showcasing the latest technologies to engage and excite our next generation of scientists, engineers and hi-tech engineers.
At TechBay 2016, 375 students and 25 hi tech business leaders were at the event.
This year, on Thursday 9 November, and as part of Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, TDA will once again be taking over the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay, to engage students with all things engineering.
Andrea Loader, Teacher at St Cuthbert Mayne, said: “I just want to formally thank TDA for inviting our school to the TechBay event. The students really enjoyed the event last year and were so inspired by the activities and businesses. I too felt so inspired and it has refreshed my enthusiasm and reminded my why we all work so hard to engage our students in their future. You really looked after everyone and the event management was seamless. I just wanted to say how much we appreciated it.”
Entry is FREE for all secondary school and further education students from across Torbay and South Devon. Pre-booking is essential by Friday 20 October.
If you would like to get involved in the project visit www.torbayspace.co.uk/techbay for more information or call 01803 207948 or email enquiries@tedcltd.com to register your business or school’s participation.
Funding from the South West Peninsula City Deal Futureworks Fund and matched funding from TDA enabled the delivery of the project.
