Published at 16:31, Thursday, 14 March 2013

TWO of South Cumbria’s biggest employers have joined forces in a bid to increase interest in core engineering subjects in schools.

on track A competitor in last year’s Greenpower Challenge – which will see Siemens and BAE Systems join forces with Barrow Engineering Project to boost engineering skills in schools. Inset, Laura Lake from BAE

BAE Systems and Siemens have joined forces with the Barrow Engineering Project to organise the Greenpower Challenge to design and build electrical vehicles.

The 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.

Mike Brown, director of academic programmes at Siemens, said: “As a business we are heavily engaged in the STEM and engineering skills agenda.

“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.”

Siemens will grant a site license for use of its Solid Edge software on computers at each of the participating BEP secondary schools.

Students will have access to Solid Edge for use on the Greenpower Challenge as well as for use outside the classroom to support their studies.

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: “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.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk