Engineering challenge for high school

Apprentice of the Year Phil West – an engineering technician at aerospace company Leonardo – transformed their classroom into a manufacturing line to help raise awareness of careers in engineering.

The task he set them was to follow precise instructions to build a vehicle assembly in the shortest possible time. Pandemonium ensued as various groups competed to reach the finish line first.

Phil said: “I saw they were struggling so explained what lean manufacturing is all about. I highlighted the importance of having defined roles and responsibilities, touched on how the quality of the build can be improved and why breaking down the assembly into sub assemblies enables all members of the team to add value simultaneously.

“I hope these lessons continue to evolve, stimulating interest in manufacturing.”