Industry invents next generation of engineers

The community-based Made in the Midlands Young Inventor Award – an initiative from Black Country University Technical College (UTC) in partnership with Made in the Midlands and Delcam UK – is designed to encourage youngsters to consider a career in manufacturing and engineering by inspiring them to be creative and innovative. Entries to the competition to "possibly even discover the next James Dyson right here in the Midlands" will be judged by a 'Dragons' Den' type panel of industry experts and holds out the prospect of the winner seeing his or her idea turned into a working prototype. Gordon Mills, director of business engagement at Black Country UTC, commented: "It's important our students gain exposure to industry standards and modern working practices and the Made in the Midlands Young Inventor Award will do just that. The support and help that Delcam UK can give to our students through talks and lectures will also be invaluable." Charles Addison, director of Made in the Midlands, said the project would help the Midlands to take advantage of global opportunities that would enable the regional economy to succeed. The scheme is open to students currently studying at Black Country UTC in Walsall and the judging will be led by Steve Creron, managing director of Delcam UK. The winners will be announced in September.