Pupils working on a model ROV during the STEM Challenge final

Teenage engineers from across the UK came together recently for Global Underwater Hub’s 2023 STEM Challenge competition.

And it was a team of six pupils from Charleston Academy in Inverness that eventually triumphed to lift the title.

J+S Subsea was one of the sponsors of the nationwide competition, which promotes a career in engineering to the next generation.

Youngsters from schools in County Durham, Glasgow, Inverness, Manchester, Somerset and West Sussex took part in the final of the challenge last month in Aberdeen.  

The initiative sees 13 and 14-year-old pupils test their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to design, build, programme and market a model ROV (remotely operated vehicle) using Lego Mindstorms.

Organised by Global Underwater Hub, and run with the support of The Smallpeice Trust, the STEM Challenge provides a platform for school pupils to apply their STEM knowledge and skills, and learn how they can be used in their future careers.  The programme also demonstrates to the pupils the breadth of job opportunities that are offered by companies working across the underwater industry.

Business development director Lucinda Craig said:
"With more than three quarters of previous students saying they would now consider a career in engineering, it was a simple decision for J+S Subsea to support the challenge.

"A career in subsea engineering is incredibly rewarding so it’s very important to us to play a part in spreading this message to the next generation of the workforce.” 

Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, said:
"We really appreciate the support that J+S Subsea and all of our sponsors have given to this year’s STEM Challenge competition.  It has allowed Global Underwater Hub to engage with nearly 300 pupils from 49 schools across the UK and inspire them about a career in the underwater industry.

"The programme forms part of our commitment to our members and the wider industry to support the development of the skills, capabilities and expertise that will be required by the future workforce, which will help drive the UK’s competitive advantage.”

KeyFacts Energy Industry Directory: Global Underwater Hub