Helping to support STEM initiatives in our local communities is one of our core principles at Premier Farnell. That's why we're proud to be running the Premier Farnell Technology Challenge, offering over 400 UK students the chance to showcase their technical and creative skills by creating a prototype device with real-world applications.
Students from sixteen schools and colleges in and around our UK home city of Leeds have been tasked with creating a device that could help somebody with a specific physical or sensory impairment, using a Raspberry Pi single board computer as the base. Students aged 16-18 will work in teams of five on a range of workshops and challenges run by both Premier Farnell and Leeds Beckett University, leading up to a regional final due to take place on Tuesday 5th December 2017.
This is the third year that Premier Farnell has run the Schools Technology Challenge, and the event is set to be our biggest yet. Developed in collaboration with Leeds Beckett University, Ahead Partnership and the FutureJobs Program, the challenge aims to encourage students to explore career opportunities in digital and tech, an industry which is projected for 15% growth in the West Yorkshire region over the next ten years.
A combination of industry experts and Premier Farnell representatives will help to judge the competition, where prizes will be awarded in the categories of 'Judges Choice' and 'People's Choice' at the regional final.
"As a global technology business based in Leeds, we are committed to introducing the next generation to technology and the opportunities that it presents" said Steve Carr, Global Head of Marketing for Premier Farnell. "...and where best to start than here in the West Yorkshire region? I'm excited to see the ideas that the students come up with."
Stay tuned to element14 for regular updates on the Schools Technology Challenge over the coming weeks. If you are a parent, educator or maker in the West Yorkshire region and would be interesting in volunteering at one of our Schools Technology Challenge events, please contact Rena Peat at rpeat@premierfarnell.com.
