Tyrone schools compete in Sandvik racing car challenge

SCHOOLCHILDREN from across Tyrone tested their engineering knowledge to the limit in building model racing cars in a competition organised by a well-known firm based in Ballygawley.

Sandvik Mobile Crushers and Screens held the schools initiative aimed at students aged from 15 to 17-years-old, encouraging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in the next generation.

The first-ever such competition in the local engineering industry included teams from seven Tyrone and Armagh schools.

‘Formula Sandvik’ included planning, design, manufacture and race a model car using an 18-volt cordless drill with a limited budget. Each participating team had an internal Sandvik employee mentor assigned to oversee the project and provide support.

Mentors are crucial in inspiring engineers of the future and offering insight about the unique career opportunities that are available in the industry.

The schools came together to compete at Sandvik’s Centre of Excellence. On the race day, each team had three attempts to set their fastest time with the power drill race car with each car then inspected by the Sandvik judging panel.

As well as showing creative innovation and engineering capabilities, teams were also judged on their project management skills, sustainable materials used, and most importantly – safety.

Highest-placed of the Tyrone schools was St Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley, who came in third place.

Patrick Forrest, research and development Director at Sandvik, said, ‘This competition proved successful in developing interest in STEM subjects. We were blown away by the level of creativity and innovation that each school brought on the day, highlighting the local engineering talent. We look forward to hosting many more ‘Formula Sandvik’ events.”