|
Swift Technology Group has been working with Team Odyssey over the last few months, the F1 in Schools entry from a group of sixth form students at Kimbolton School. Companies within the group, including Swift Aircraft, Swift TG Solutions and TWF Solutions have provided support to the team through design, testing and manufacture of the final competition car. Team Odyssey approached Swift for sponsorship after Rebecca Haines, Group Marketing Manager, attended an Open Day at the school and had chatted to the Design Technology students about the type of STEM projects on offer to the senior pupils. Swift has a number of STEM ambassadors within the group and has supported and launched a number of STEM initiatives ourselves, so we felt that this was a fantastic opportunity and a perfect match. The F1 in Schools project is one of the biggest STEM in schools initiatives in the world, and it’s been an honor to be part of it, especially with such an amazing team. The fact that F1 in schools includes artistic creativity and marketing as a major part of the judging criteria was also a big pull, as TWF forms an important part of the Swift group, and the significance of these disciplines is too often disregarded. When I saw Kimbolton School students showcasing their F1 in Schools entry, I was very impressed – offering sponsorship was testament to their capability, positive attitude, inspired minds and a hunger for success Paul Burton, Group Design Manager, worked closely with the team, providing advice along the way and enthusing the students into thinking outside the box about certain aspects of the design process. He’s been the lynch pin between Swift and Odyssey and enjoyed every moment. Swift hopes that Paul has been inspirational to the team because sharing his ideas, skills and passion for what he does is key to his aspirations and vision - encouraging future generations to follow in his footsteps and not be afraid to take creative risks in all aspects of design. Team Odyssey were tasked with using nature to provide inspiration for their model. I am very impressed with the final result. It shows a creative flair, along with some intelligent engineering decisions. Team Odyssey were very keen to impress and made every effort to keep Swift in the loop of their progress every step of the way. This project runs alongside the students’ A Level studies, so it takes a lot of commitment and passion to take part in this competition, Team Odyssey have this in abundance, and it’s something they should be very proud of. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the team, and Swift hopes to see them smash a win at the Regional Finals – they deserve it! F1 in Schools is an international STEM competition in which students must design and manufacture a miniature car out of the official F1 Model Block using computer engineering design tools. The cars are powered by CO2 cartridges and attached to a track by a nylon wire. The teams are judged on the design and speed of the car together with their accompanying portfolio and presentation. The main objective of the competition is to help change the perceptions of science, technology, engineering and maths by creating a fun and exciting learning environment for young people to develop an informed view about careers in these sectors. Swift Technology Group is a technology-focused group of companies working within STEM industries, providing ground-breaking innovate solutions predominately in aviation, renewables and Oil & Gas. The company has invested millions of pounds into Research and Development over the last decade and will soon see its two flagship products launched commercially. The group has extended their invites to team Odyssey to visit Swift head office at SEP, Norwich (formerly RAF Coltishall) and hopes each member will stay in contact. Who knows, the future may bring us back together with potential opportunities and more STEM projects. However, whatever path they wish to follow, we would like to wish them all the very best. TWF, the design and marketing arm of Swift, would also like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to Signs UK for providing the printed car decals free of charge. We have worked with this company for many years and they were more than happy to offer their support to this project. Only one thing left to say, good luck Team Odyssey and thank you for letting us be part of this amazing project.  |
