Young engineers excel at MTA annual awards

From nearly 60 entries submitted by students of Engineering and Design & Technology in two age groups; 14 to 16 and 17 to 19, ten outstanding young engineers and their projects were selected to take part in a competitive showcase final event at Yamazaki Mazak in Worcester. The students were required to demonstrate their product and present their ideas to the panel of judges assembled by the MTA. Not only were the judges were looking for great innovative engineering, but also the ability to think commercially about their idea, and the skills to present clearly and logically to an industry panel. Bob Shanks, chairman of the Imagineering Foundation & MTA Committee member, said he was bowled over with the quality and innovation of projects presented. "That there is such innovative talent among our young people gives us at the MTA great hope for the future of UK engineering based manufacturing." In the 14-16 age group, the prizes went to Ben Stephens (pictured) who found a solution to a mountain biker's nightmare: a device to prevent objects like sticks and stones, from damaging the derailleur on their bikes; Thomas Weatherby for his device to hold a single scull in position next to a jetty while the rower gets out of the boat; and to Daniella Rozario for her open storage unit, "esigned especially for her younger, messier, sister". In the 17-19 group, the top three were Roxanne Pollard for a cycling helmet that allows the user to indicate their presence and riding direction while keeping full control of the bike; Tobias Wilson for his mounted camera to enable motorcycle users to check what is behind them without turning their head; and Gianpaolo Lusardi for an indoor chair/sofa designed to be used in the Olympic Village during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.