Competition aims to find next generation of engineering talent

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 young people to consider a career in manufacturing and engineering by inspiring them to be creative and innovative. Entries to the competition will be judged by a 'Dragons' Den' type panel of industry experts and the winner could see 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." Steve Creron, lead judge and managing director of Delcam UK added: "We are providing Black Country UTC with computer aided manufacturing (CAM) and reverse engineering software – for use with their laser tracker arm. This will enable students to scan a physical model, turn it into a digital design, modify it if they need to and then re-cut it using our software." The scheme is open to students currently studying at Black Country UTC in Walsall. The winners will be announced in September.