Institution news
The 2018 competition is the fourth such challenge run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineer. The challenge will see teams going head-to-head as they look to have their prototypes selected as the winning idea. Prototypes being exhibited at the competition at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry include:
- digital alarm pill dispenser
- smart home storage solution
- automated medical dispenser
- eco-irrigation system
- magic mirror
- automatic blinds
- automated pet station.
Lydia Amarquaye, chair of the IMechE Young Members Board, has been volunteering on the challenge since its inception, and says the event is a great way for apprentices looking to get ahead in their careers.
“I see these challenges as a way of providing young engineers with an opportunity to experience engineering management and utilise some skills that they may not necessarily experience at such an early stage in their careers,” she says. “It gives them a chance to manage their own projects and test themselves against their peers in a safe environment.”
Amarquaye says the challenge also has benefits for employers and has resulted in several employers integrating the challenge into their internal apprenticeship programmes.
“We have seen a steady growth of participants, and the real excitement for us is the companies that keep coming back,” she says. “They have seen the benefits for their apprentices and have effectively written the challenge into the curriculum for their second-year apprentices.”
Dr Helen Meese is the former head of healthcare for the Institution and now works as a consultant in the healthcare industry. She says the challenge is a great way of encouraging more young people to consider a career in engineering.
“It is important for the IMechE to host these challenges, not just to encourage those already in the profession, but to inspire school children to take up a career in engineering,” she says. “The Institution and other PEIs have a key responsibility to ensure that STEM is at the forefront of our education system.
“Challenges such as these are important for industry, as they enable young engineers and technicians to engage directly with experts in the field. It gives them the chance to see the type of career path they could explore. It also gives industry a chance to showcase the skills of their young workforce and encourage innovative thinking that will be beneficial to the company in the future.”
The challenge is also a great complimentary event for the work the Institution does with other sectors in engineering education, something that Lydia says is important for the Institution’s mission.
“It has been really important for the wider industry to see that the IMechE are not just about the strict 'academic' route, but actually we have a passion for apprentices as well,” she says. “There were competitions for undergraduates and recent graduates, so this competition fits nicely in the gap and gives a wider portfolio for engagement with the Institution.”
The 2018 finals day if free to attend and open to all. Attendees will get the chance to walk around the exhibition, meet apprentices, attend a networking drinks followed by the award ceremony. Simply email hac@imechenearyou.org to register your interest.