On Saturday (22 April) the Harrogate Convention Centre hosted around 1,000 young people aged 9 to 16 competing in one of the world’s largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) competitions, the FIRST® LEGO® League.
The FIRST® LEGO® League introduces STEM to children through fun hands-on learning. Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program.
The Convention Centre halls were filled with activities, such as robot game action, to help encourage more young people into an engineering career.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones, met with participating teams and presented one of the trophies at the end of the day.
Commenting, Andrew said: “It is important we encourage more young people into STEM subjects as sectors such as engineering, construction and manufacturing are key to economic growth locally and nationally.
“It was a successful event and I was pleased to be given the opportunity to present an award. I hope this event has inspired many more young people to take up STEM subjects.”
Lucy Owen, IET FIRST® LEGO® League Education Manager, said: “FIRST® LEGO® League allows young people to experience engineering in action. It gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with robotics and design innovative solutions to real world problems, all whilst bringing excitement to STEM subjects. Programming, teamwork, problem-solving and communications skills have never been so much fun and gives students an insight into the creative careers that the wonderful world of engineering offers.
“There is a great need for young people with STEM skills to fill the next generation of engineering roles and we are excited to see such bright young engineering minds in FIRST® LEGO® League.”
You can find out more about FIRST® LEGO® League on their website here.
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