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COLLEGES SIGN UP TO RECORD-BREAKING PROJECT

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics were top of the agenda at this year’s AoC Conference, as a great British Engineering Adventure captured the imagination of those attending.

Delegates and speakers alike, including the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Lord Mandelson, were keen to find out more about The BLOODHOUND Project, Britain’s latest World Land Speed Record Attempt. The nine-metre long model and the £5 million Eurofighter Typhoon jet engine which will power the car took centre stage on the Protocol National stand, as they launched the revolutionary project to the Further Education sector.

During the three days of the Conference, more than 150 colleges signed up, via Protocol National, to become involved with the project. Learners at these colleges will be able to follow progress at every level, access available resources and take part in the Intel/BLOODHOUND Engineering Challenge, part of the Young Engineer for Britain competition.

This is all linked to the mission for The BLOODHOUND Project which, as well as attempting to beat the World Land Speed Record with a car capable of more than 1,000 mph, aims to inspire a generation of learners to take STEM subjects Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by showcasing them in the most exciting way possible.

Protocol National Chief Executive, Philip Harrison, said, “We wholeheartedly support The BLOODHOUND Project team in their endeavours to generate interest in science and engineering, which is why we were so keen to support the project and help to raise awareness of its aims to Further Education colleges nationwide. For colleges and their learners this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in something truly unique that will be making headline news for years to come.”

The BLOODHOUND Project came about after a meeting between Lord Drayson and Project Director Richard Noble highlighted the acute shortage of engineers faced by the MOD and the whole country. It was suggested that an iconic project was needed to promote science and technology and BLOODHOUND SSC (Super Sonic Car) was born.

Every college that signed up to the BLOODHOUND Education Programme at AoC will receive regular email updates on the project and its progress, along with the online teaching resources. Protocol National is also donating to The BLOODHOUND Project to ensure that a name from each college is put on the tail fin of the car as it makes its record- breaking attempt.