KMF is of the UK’s largest sheet metal manufacturers. While as a business they are dedicated to supplying quality metal solutions to a wide range of different industries, they are also on a mission to encourage the young people in their country to get interested in engineering, and not only that — to understand what engineering really is.
Through offering the annual Young Engineer of the Year Contest, they are able to spread the word about how important and fulfilling
This year, YEOTY has another substantial challenge planned as they have supplied 25 high schools with 3D printers meant to engage tenth-graders to create marketable gadgets. As they learn about the new technology, becoming educated in 3D design and 3D printing, students will be led by a variety of UK sponsors, all 24 of which are involved in local companies. The point, as always, is to encourage the kids to get interested in engineering and teach them skills which they can actually use in their future job market as well as, very importantly, list on their resumes.
During the course of the program and impending competition, KMF has spoken to 3,500 students regarding the contest. Each of the 25 schools has received a MakerBot Z18 3D printer. In creating marketable products, students are expected to:
- Become inspired about engineering a product
- Learn new design and technology skills
- Learn about marketing research
- Learn how to pitch ideas
- Learn about taking a product to market
- Learn about business basics, including planning
With an interesting, fun, and creative twist that adds to the competitive edge, teams will compete in a Dragons’ Den forum, in a nod to the British television series which features teams pitching their ideas to judges with the concept that if chosen, they will offer a percentage of their business in exchange for a specific amount of funding. The ‘entrepreneurs’ present their pitches to the ‘investors’ who can one by one opt out if not interested or impressed, leaving the rest to offer negotiations and input.
The ‘dragons,’ who will have a set criteria for judging the teams and their products, will choose the best teams to compete in the grand finale, with awards to be given on June 18, 2015. The ceremony will be hosted by Jason Bradbury of The Gadget Show.
While an extra perk is that school design departments are equipped with new technology, KMF points out that the competition has great potential to become a government sponsored program, as the UK works to regain its excellence in engineering. It’s an all-around positive experience for everyone involved, from KMF to the students, parents, sponsors, potential industry employers, and the region as a whole.
Do you think a competition like this is an effective way to raise up new engineers in the UK? Have you or students you know competed in 3D printing competitions geared toward engineering or other technical sectors? Tell us your thoughts in the Young Engineers of the Year 3D Printing Contest forum over at 3DPB.com.
The video below is geared toward potential sponsors, but explains a bit about the competition and gives an idea of the energy and enthusiasm surrounding it for 2015.