Earlier this year, in conjunction with the Engineering Employer’s Federation (EEF) and more than 30 other companies in the north east, SONE Products Ltd signed up to support Primary Engineer, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to encourage more young people to consider careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) related professions.
For its part, SONE teamed up with nearby Tanfield Lea Community Primary School to provide the pupils and staff with support in a competition to build a vehicle for the Primary Engineer North East Celebration Challenge.
Over the past few months SONE has helped the school with a number of activities including a site visit to the company's manufacturing facility by some of the pupils involved, as well as regular visits to the classroom by improvement engineer, Stuart Porter. Who, it would appear, relished his involvement in this project. The project was provided with further input from SONE’s commercial manager, Trevor Siddoway.
Stuart worked with 34 Year 4 children who between them designed and manufactured nine different model vehicles. Before heading off to the finals, which took place recently at the Biddick Sports College, Washington, the models were assessed on a number of criteria including their aesthetic appeal, how straight they travelled and their ability to climb a steep gradient.
After some deliberation it was decided that a model named 'Dave' would represent the school. This was designed and manufactured by the school's 'Tanfield Lea Railway' team made up of Marc Peacock, Reece Dixon, Taylor Little and Shay Callagham,.
Speaking about SONE’s involvement in the initiative, Trevor said:
“The company was extremely happy to get involved with this event as we are keen to send the message that there are excellent job opportunities in manufacturing to a younger audience. It is important at this age and stage of their schooling that learning should be fun and this was certainly a fun exercise to undertake.
“Having met with the children a number of times I believe the work that Stuart undertook with them has provided a much better understanding of engineering and manufacturing and inspired them to work hard at school. Although ‘Dave’ didn’t walk away with a major prize on the day, I think we have all enjoyed the experience. If only one child chooses to pursue a career in engineering and manufacturing, then it has been a very worthwhile exercise and one which I have no doubt we would be keen to support again.”
