Frimley, 2013-Mar-12
Greenpower Finals
- Barrow Engineering Project with Siemens and BAE Systems to launch
campaign to inspire interest in engineering - Siemens PLM software to be deployed in schools pilot in Barrow-in-Furness to revitallise interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects
- Schools to engage in the “Greenpower Challenge” to design and build electrical vehicles
The revitalisation project will build on the success of previous BEP school and
college engagement activities while also delivering significant enhancements through the deployment of industry leading CAD software (Solid Edge) from Siemens PLM. The project will also leverage Siemens existing investment in the Greenpower Challenge to design and build electric vehicle using this exceptional project-based learning activity as the main tool for the project. The Greenpower Challenge will also be supported by BAE Systems.
Mike Brown, director of Academic Programmes at Siemens PLM commenting on the project said:
“Siemens is delighted to be part of this particular project. As a business we are heavily engaged in the STEM and engineering skills agenda. Siemens PLM already does a huge amount of work with schools and colleges around the world and Siemens Subsea business in Ulverston already has strong links with local schools and colleges in the region. Teaming up with the BEP and fellow engineering firm BAE Systems offered us a fantastic opportunity to pool our experience, expertise, resources and energy into one of the most inventive and engaging learning projects ever – The Greenpower Challenge. This project helps demonstrate the technical ingenuity, team elements and the buzz involved in engineering. We look forward to this being a huge success.”
The project will comprise a number of core and optional activities. Siemens PLM will grant a site license for use of its Solid Edge software to each of the participating BEP secondary schools. This will allow schools to install Solid Edge software on as many computers as required in support of the teaching of the STEM subjects in both curricula and extracurricular activities. Students will also have access to Solid Edge for use on the Greenpower Challenge as well as for use outside the classroom in support of their studies.
Another key element of the project is the Greenpower Challenge, which is focused on “inspiring engineers” at all levels of education with teams designing, building and racing a single seat electrical car. The Greenpower Challenge is unique in that it covers the complete range of education from Primary School level through Secondary and beyond. It is designed to incorporate multiple areas of the national curriculum and many schools use the project as a teaching aid to illustrate key ideas and concepts. The process also teaches young people core engineering and design skills, and builds on the idea of teamwork and problem solving with the whole group working together and accomplishing a final goal. Greenpower teams will be set up in each school and college.
BAE Systems will support the project with a Greenpower team consisting of apprentices to enter the Greenpower Corporate Challenge held in the autumn at the famous Goodwood motor racing circuit.
Laura Lake, Corporate Responsibility adviser at BAE Systems Maritime - Submarines, said: “BAE Systems continues to work with local partners to develop the education and employability skills of young people within the Barrow and Furness area.
“As part of our education strategy we aim to partner with local academia and businesses to help equip those currently in education with the right skills and attitudes for future employment. By collaborating with another large engineering firm, Siemens, we hope to increase the support and expertise offered to local schools to benefit a greater number of students and inspire the next generation of engineers.”
Other corporate teams taking part include: Siemens, Bentley, Jaguar Land Rover, and teams from SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises).
BEP coordinator Brian Wood commenting on the whole project said:
“The BEP schools and colleges are thrilled to be offered this opportunity by Siemens to be involved in this unique project. The Solid Edge software which Siemens PLM is gifting to BEP members will add great value to their work with students and particularly so as many are already engaged with the Greenpower Challenge. We are also indebted to BAE Systems, longstanding partners of ours, for supporting this superb STEM initiative.”
Contact for journalists:
Siemens plc
Rachel Odams
Phone: 07808 824209
E-mail: Rachel.odams@siemens.com
For further information and press pictures please see: www.siemens.co.uk/press
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemensuknews
Siemens plc
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 170 years ago and now employs around 13,520 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £3.2 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
About Barrow Engineering Project
The Barrow Engineering Project (BEP) was launched by the Royal Academy of Engineering in April 2008 and over the last five years has funded and supported hundreds of events and activities to add value to the curriculum in STEM subjects ( Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics) in local schools and colleges. The main aims of the BEP are: to raise the overall profile of Engineering in the local area; to raise awareness of the valuable contribution of engineering to our society; to enrich the STEM attainment and skill levels of local learners within the project – both through the existing curriculum and through extra-curricular activities. For more information please visit: www.raeng.org.uk
About Greenpower
The Greenpower Education Trust’s vision is to inspire more young people to become engineers. The Greenpower Challenge is a 3 year programme to help increase interest in engineering at school level. Siemens is the lead sponsor of this programme. To learn more about Siemens' involvement in Greenpower For more information please visit: www.greenpower.co.uk
About BAE Systems Maritime - Submarines
BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines is the design/technical authority and lead contractor for the Astute Class submarine programme, providing design, build and in-service support for seven Astute submarines for the UK Royal Navy
It is also one of the three main industrial partners in the programme to design the Royal Navy’s next generation of submarines - the replacement for the Vanguard class.
