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Each team designed and built its own miniature powerboat, which was put to the test in an obstacle course in QinetiQ’s ocean basin facility at Haslar, Gosport. This year, for the first time, participants also had the opportunity to show off their straight-line speed in a head-to-head drag race.

A panel of judges from QinetiQ and the Royal Navy selected winners in categories such as innovation, teamwork and endeavour, with senior maritime industry leaders presenting the teams with their prizes. Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, was also on-hand to watch the action and lend her support.

Now in its sixth year, the QinetiQ Schools’ Powerboat Challenge provides pupils aged between 12 and 15 with hands-on experience of using science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) within the maritime industry. The teams are coached during the design process by members of QinetiQ’s Maritime team, who visit the schools and share their technical expertise with the youngsters.

Josh Campbell’s participation in a similar challenge four years ago led to his current role as a maritime communications specialist at QinetiQ. He explained: “While I was an apprentice with the Ministry of Defence, I took part in the Industry Powerboat Challenge for older entrants. We won the ‘team award’ for remaining enthusiastic despite our boat sinking.

“The experience inspired me to return to QinetiQ a year later for a six-month seconded placement at Haslar as part of my apprenticeship. I really enjoyed it, so after finishing my course and starting full-time work I successfully applied for my current role.

“I have since helped to organise the Schools’ Powerboat Challenge and seen from the other side how it similarly inspires other young people. I have worked with teams of lively kids who have surprised everyone with their focus and drive to succeed in pursuit of a common goal. I think it’s vital for young people to experience the amazing things engineering makes possible and the career opportunities it provides.”

Becky Thomas is a Project Engineer at QinetiQ, who joined the company through a graduate scheme and has helped to organize this year’s event. She said: “The challenge helps school pupils to apply the lessons they have learned in class in a fun and rewarding environment. We hope the experience will encourage more young people to consider STEM subjects and future careers in this area. Our vision is to provide opportunities and inspiration for future engineers and scientists, a commitment underlined by our role as a founding member of The 5% Club.”

Caroline Dinenage, local MP for Gosport said, “I was delighted to see the QinetiQ Powerboat Challenge get underway again this year and to talk to the young people involved. I am extremely proud of the students from Bay House School and Brune Park School who participated. It is really important to encourage students to take up STEM subjects and this competition is just the kind of thing that could help spark a lifelong passion for science and engineering.”

Commander Steve Prest, the Royal Navy’s Fleet Robotics Officer, was one of the judges and emphasised the importance of engineering to the Navy, “The Royal Navy is a Service that has been at the forefront of technological innovation for centuries. We rely upon this, along with our people, for our warfighting edge. Generating enthusiasm about STEM subjects in youngsters is vital, not only to provide us with future engineers for the Fleet but also to help populate the highly-skilled industry that we rely upon to equip and support us.”

The 5% Club campaign is a nationwide campaign urging companies across the UK to commit to 5% of their workforce being apprentices, graduates or placement students on a formalised training programme within five years.

Winning teams:

1: Carisbrooke College
2: Henry Court Community College
3: Fernhill Comprehensive

Engineering prize - Bournemouth school for boys
Team work - Bournemouth school for girls
Innovation - Chamberlayne college
Drag race - Carisbrooke college
Dastardly behaviour - Bournemouth schools for boys
Golden bowl - Budmouth college
Wooden spoon - Brune park team 1

Participating schools:

• Bay House School and Sixth Form
• Bournemouth School (for Boys)
• Bournemouth School (for Girls)
• Brune Park
• Budmouth College
• Carisbrooke College
• Chamberlayne College for the Arts
• Fernhill Comprehensive
• Hamble Community Sports College
• Henry Cort Community College
• Lord Wilson School
• Perins School
• Warsash Sea Cadets

About The 5% Club
Founded by QinetiQ, the 5% Club is a campaign to get the UK’s public and private companies to commit to raising the number of apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formal programmes to 5% of their total workforce within the next five years. The aim of the campaign is to tackle both the chronic skills shortage and youth unemployment in Britain and help the country remain at the forefront of innovation.

To find out more information about The 5% Club and how to become a member, please visit www.5percentclub.org.uk.

About QinetiQ

• A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its world class knowledge, research and innovation to provide high-end technical expertise and advice, to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments as well as other international customers in targeted sectors.
• Follow us on twitter @QinetiQ
• Visit our blog www.QinetiQ/news-and-events.com

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