McLaren encourages winning ways for manufacturing

The McLaren Manufacturing Challenge forms part of the See Inside Manufacturing (SIM) campaign. The challenge encourages students to think about engineering in a practical, hands-on sense by designing a motor-less vehicle that must comply with strict regulations but be as fast as possible. Three schools will take part in a showcase at the Department for Business before competing in the grand final at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking on 8 November. Business secretary Vince Cable said: "See Inside Manufacturing plays an important part in challenging outdated perceptions of industry. The manufacturing sector is crucial to building a stronger economy – supporting two and a half million jobs and contributing almost £140 billion a year to the UK. "Working with business I want to inspire young people to see just how dynamic the industry is. Events like this will put them in pole position to get involved in these rewarding careers." McLaren Automotive operations director Alan Foster added: "Nearly everything that we use in our lives today is born out of engineering. The UK has a proud heritage in this field and boasts some of the best engineers and manufacturing facilities in the world. "However, there is still an outdated perception amongst young people that it is an 'oily-rag' industry and doesn't represent an exciting career choice. You only need ask the hundreds of talented engineers working on Jenson Button's Formula 1 car or the new McLaren P1 super car to know that nothing could be further from the truth. " This is the third year McLaren has run its Manufacturing Challenge. SIM involves businesses opening their doors to young people and teachers, allowing them a first-hand view of modern manufacturing and the exciting jobs available.