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HomeNewsMentoring the female engineers of tomorrow in Go4SET challenge

Mentoring the female engineers of tomorrow in Go4SET challenge

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To help enlighten young females on the careers available in the engineering industry, VolkerRail has recently mentored a group of year nine students, from Sheffield High School, who wished to take part in the annual Go4SET scheme.

VolkerRail mentors students in Go4set challenge

Developed by the Engineering Development Trust, the scheme gives young children the opportunity to work on projects that could make their school more environmentally efficient, stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, raise awareness of future career opportunities and assist students in becoming more ‘work ready’.

This is the third year VolkerRail has been involved in the scheme, which saw staff mentor students over a ten week period, providing guidance and knowledge on project management and work related skills. This helped the students develop a project of their choosing; as well as their understanding of managing their environmental impact and the reasons behind sustainability and innovation. The pupil’s project ‘Save for the Future’ was based around creating tomorrow’s environmentally friendly railway stations.

G04SET challange

At the end of the scheme the students produced a professional report, presentation and a scale model of their project, which they showcased at the regional Go4SET celebration and assessment day; held at Sheffield Hallam University on Friday 3rd July.

Richard Thornton, assessor, and guest speaker said: “I had a great day and was particularly impressed by the team’s detailed analysis of ideas, for innovation throughout their project reports. I often forgot that the students were only 11 to 13 year olds, as they showed confidence in presenting their findings in front of the assessment panel . Their enthusiasm for their project was infectious.”

Emma Rozgowska, teacher at Sheffield High School said: “We compete in Go4SET every year as we feel that the experience and enjoyment the girls take away from the scheme is invaluable. VolkerRail’s mentors have been a fantastic support, giving excellent advice and encouraging them to believe in their ideas. As a result, our students delivered an impressive project and outstanding presentation to the assessors. We would like to thank VolkerRail for their continued involvement with the school and the Go4SET scheme.”

At the end of the assessment day VolkerRail was presented with a national recognition award, for the valuable contribution made to the scheme. Hollie Woodard, VolkerRail mentor said: “It has been a pleasure working with the pupils on their project. Their commitment and determination has been commendable and the ideas and suggestions they have developed as a team are on par with the innovations and proposals being considered and implemented by leading businesses in the industry today.”

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