Students from UTCs across England gathered at HMS Sultan on March 22nd to compete in The Royal Navy Engineering Challenge – Exercise Clean Sweep to mark the Year of Engineering 2018.
The Challenge, comprising of 75 teams, involved building a remote-controlled vessel capable of recovering objects on the seabed. Several of the teams were lucky enough to enjoy the opportunity to experience 24 hours of Naval life, including a night on board HMS Bristol.
Prizes were awarded across six different categories between groups aged 14-16, 16-18 for apprentices from industry aged 18-24, with teams Extracting Compass from UTC Swindon, Impact from Heathrow Aviation Engineering UTC overall winners in the respective categories.
UTC Portsmouth Year 10 student Parys Reid said:
“On every other time trial we just sank. Our design has changed a lot since we started, we ended up with a double decker of a boat with our electrics at the bottom and our crane on top. We only opened in September and this has been the first opportunity that we have had to see what the other UTCs are like and it’s been really interesting. I hope we get to take part again next year.”
Vice Admiral Sir Jonathan Woodcock OBE, Second Sea Lord said:
“This annual engineering challenge which grows from strength to strength each year offers an invaluable opportunity for the Royal Navy to inspire the engineers of the future whilst at the same time encouraging innovation and showcasing the variety of roles and opportunities that exist for those wishing to pursue a career in engineering. UTCs offer the opportunity for young people to gain the academic and technical qualifications that are valued by the Royal Navy and other industry partners and this annual challenge provides an excellent example of the practical application of the theoretical learning they have received in the classroom.”
