STUDENTS from Devon have reached the National Final of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s premier engineering competition for young people.

The team from Kingsbridge Community College beat competition from across the UK to be named one of the three teams to compete in the IET Faraday Challenge Days National Final on 20 June in Oxford.

Gareth James, IET Head of Education, said: “Students who take part in the Faraday Challenge Days experience hands-on design and practical work giving them a peek into the life of a real engineer, the variety of engineering out there and the central role it plays in our everyday lives.

“There is huge demand for new engineers and technicians and we’re confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and hopefully make them consider engineering as a career choice.”

Forty-five schools across the UK were chosen to host the regional heats of the 2013-14 IET Faraday Challenge Days. Up to six teams of local school students competed against each other to find the best solution to an engineering-related challenge.

The brief for these young engineers will be shrouded in secrecy to avoid unfair preparation and research. Teams must race against the clock to solve a real-life engineering problem, putting their engineering and technology knowledge and skills to the test.

The events aim to encourage more young people to study and consider exciting and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by using creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.

The Faraday Challenge Days are part of a wider Faraday education programme, made up of a whole host of teaching resources and activities to inspire and attract the engineers of tomorrow.