Engineers of the future – Warrington school win annual United Utilities STEM competition

Year 9 pupils from Padgate Academy in Warrington are the proud winners of an annual competition to develop plans for a community centre in the Lake District, working with United Utilities and The Challenge Academy Trust.

Designed to give pupils the chance to explore engineering as a future study and career option, the 10-week research project gives five schools their own United Utilities mentor and access to UU-sponsored STEM Centre and FabLab at Beamont Collegiate Academy, which includes 3D printers and further help to bring their visions to life. The competition brief encompasses real-life challenges that United Utilities faces and aligns with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) competencies on the school curriculum. During the challenge pupils use a range of skills, including research, design, problem-solving, meeting deadlines and working as a team.

They must overcome several obstacles along the way, such as testing appropriate building designs, getting equipment and materials to a remote location, and ensuring the completed building has the required amenities. They must also complete the project within a set budget, ensuring they address environmental challenges and provide a sustainable solution appropriate for the location and the needs of the community.

Beamont Collegiate Academy, Bridgewater High School, Padgate Academy, Penketh High School, and Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School all participated in the challenge, culminating in a Dragon's Den-style pitch at Dovestone Conference Centre on 23 May, where they presented their proposal to a panel of judges from United Utilities. Warren Bullough, Chief Engineer (Integration & Commissioning) judged the presentations alongside Delivery Manager Sophie Tucker, Talent Coordinator Gareth Ellis, and Technical Deliverables Manager Dominic Churchman.

Padgate Academy entered two teams to the competition, with Team B taking home the winning idea on the day: a virtual building created in Minecraft, including a neurodiversity room and some impressive innovative thinking!

Warren Bullough, Chief Engineer at United Utilities said: "The competition is a brilliant way to support local pupils and give them the chance to hear first-hand about the work we do across the North West.

"Every single pupil is a winner for taking part and presenting on the day. Winners Padgate stood out from the rest - not only because of how confident they were at such a young age, but with how they interpreted the project's requirement. Their presentation was thoroughly thought out and a virtual building created in Minecraft showed innovative ways of working.

"Team members worked cohesively together, and if we didn't know they were school pupils we'd have thought they were coming for a formal interview as they conducted themselves so well. Well done to everyone who took part, and thanks to everyone at UU for their hard work in supporting the competition."