The aim of the TCT Bright Minds UK, based on a programme run by the SME in the USA, is to motivate and inspire a group of specially selected secondary school students — potentially tomorrow’s engineers — to enter a career in the world of engineering when they finish their studies. This year, ten students, from King Edward VI College Stourbridge, will be invited to the TCT 2008 Conference & Exhibition, held at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, 21/22 October, where they will each be assigned to a mentor. | " By investing in these young people our industry can ensure that the UK remains a Centre of Excellence for innovation and design, and hopefully the TCT Bright Minds Programme can help discover the next Brunel, Stephenson or Dyson." |  |
These industry experts will guide them through the exhibition explaining the various aspects of advanced design and manufacturing technologies, materials, processes and applications on show at the event. This will give the students the chance to actively participate with the opportunity to ask questions and learn from their mentor and exhibitors alike. It is hoped that this opportunity will help influence the career options of the students involved and inspire young people to see engineering as an exciting and cutting-edge industry to enter into. |  |
The programme is planned to be expanded in future years to give more budding engineers, from all over the UK, the unique opportunity of taking part. Duncan Wood, Sales & Marketing Director at Rapid News Publications plc, publishers of The TCT Magazine and organisers of the TCT 2008 Event commented, “As an industry we are in a unique position to influence the choices these students make." |  |
