27 April 2006 00:00 Leicestershire schools take up Central Networks’ engineering challenge at Tipton Skills Centre

Youngsters from Leicestershire’s schools were given the chance to try their hand at some of the engineering roles needed to help keep the lights on across the region by electricity distribution company Central Networks.

Pupils from years 10 and 11 at six Leicestershire schools spent yesterday at a challenge day with trainers at Central Networks’ Learning and Skills Centre in Tipton.

Working in small groups, they were introduced to the job of the linesman – who works on the overhead electricity network, and got to carry out tasks including climbing a wooden electricity pole and controlling a raised working platform.

Liz Greaves, Education Engagement Project Manager at Central Networks, said: “This was the first time we invited pupils into our Learning and Skills Centre, but they seemed to enjoy themselves and find the activities exciting.

“It was a fun day, and a real opportunity to try out a couple of job roles which they might perhaps otherwise never have considered.”

Pupils also spent time learning about the skills required to become a jointer, working on the underground electricity network, and had a go at various activities to get a taste of the processes involved in digging up and working on cables.

All participants were assessed at the end of the day on a range of skills, including team working, communication and time management. The best group will receive an award for its efforts at a ceremony taking place in May.

Central Networks, which is part of E.ON UK, developed the engineering challenge day as part of the Leicester Education Business Community’s Excellence in Enterprise Awards. Schools are encouraged to take part in the awards to help meet their enterprise curriculum objectives.

Ends

Notes to editors:
• Schools taking part in the engineering challenge day were:
City of Leicester School and Sixth Form College
Moat Community College
Rushey Mead Secondary School
Countesthorpe Community College
Lutterworth Grammar School
William Bradford Community College
• The engineering challenge day took place under supervision in a controlled and safe environment;
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables – enough to go round the Earth almost four times – and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.

For further information contact:
Jane Branscombe on 024 7642 5528
Photos of the activity day are available