A Wales & West Utilities sponsored team, which built an electric car, has scooped second place overall in a South Wales competition.
The team, from Abercerdin Primary School in Evanstown, Bridgend, were part of a race meet at Renishaw Site, Miskin Business Park which saw over 150 pupils from across six schools compete to take podium positions.
Wales & West Utilities Oliver Lancaster with the winning team from Abercerdin Primary School
The team, who are in Year 5 and 6, have spent the past two terms working to design and build their car from scratch and were delighted with their awards and overall position.
Scott Curnell, Key Stage 2 Teacher at Abercerdin Primary said:
“The project has been fantastic and really engaged pupils. It uses motorsport to inspire students from primary school to university level to excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and more than 400 schools from throughout the UK were involved.
“The team at school have spent a great deal of time working to design and build their car and to come second overall was a fantastic achievement. I am very proud of the boys and girls in the team who are well quipped to become the engineers of the future.
“To have the support of companies like Wales & West Utilities is fantastic – it enables us to compete in such a well-established competition. We are already looking forward to next year’s event.”
Wales & West Utilities Future of Energy Project Manager Oliver Lancaster said:
“We’re proud to be supporting Abercerdin Primary School and delighted that they grabbed second place. We’re keen to do all we can to support those who are interested in STEM subjects and actively encourage people to pursue qualifications and a career in engineering.
“With electric vehicles starting to play a bigger role in the transport sector in the future it’s important for us to be involved in events like this one. Flexible gas fired power stations are essential to support green, renewable energy – and enable widespread use of electric vehicles.”
The event was run by Greenpower Education Trust which works with schools to advance education in the subjects of sustainable engineering and technology to young people.
Wales & West Utilities has a team of more than 1000 trained and experienced engineers to help serve the 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales that rely on its gas emergency and pipeline services. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
Our team is also working on a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.