IET young engineers competition to inspire next generation

More than 700 children aged between nine and 16 will represent 36 countries at the First Lego League International Open Championship, taking place at the University of Bath between 21 and 25 June.

Students will be tasked with building a Lego robot “that can successfully tackle a series of missions, each representing a different aspect of animal-human interaction”, a statement from the IET said.

The students will also be required to demonstrate their skills in robotics, computer programming, teamwork, research, problem solving and communication, the statement added.

IET education manager Mandy Workman described the competition as ”a fantastic way of inspiring the next generation of engineers and nurturing the relevant skills they need for the modern engineering workplace”.

Workman said: “Young people taking part also have an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with businesses as they develop innovative solutions to problems they have identified as real-world issues.

“We hear regularly about STEM skills shortages and gaps and the Institution of Engineering and Technology is passionate about highlighting to young people the excitement and creativity of engineering through the competition. We’re especially pleased that more than a third of the students in this competition are female.”

Those interested in the event, can register here.