www.subsea7.com
PRESS RELEASE
SUBSEA 7 AND THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS
LAUNCH ‘BRIDGES TO SCHOOLS’ IN THE NORTH EAST
Subsea engineering and construction specialist, Subsea 7, and the
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) have combined their expertise to bring
‘Bridges to Schools’ to Grampian.
The national Bridges to Schools initiative, which was devised by ICE, is a hands-on
educational experience aimed at P5 to P7 children. During one-hour sessions pupils
learn from qualified engineers how to build and deconstruct a 12 metre long model
of a cable-stayed bridge.
A new bridge model constructed specifically for North East schools was fabricated
at Subsea 7’s Westhill workshop with support from CHAP Construction. In total nine
suppliers donated materials: CHAP Group, K & L Ross, Grampian Fasteners, RPI
Rubber & Plastic Industries, Dales Engineering, ATR Group, Buck & Hickman,
Keyline and Loftus Signs.
Tullos Primary School was the first to try out the new model during a visit from the
Lord Provost of Aberdeen George Adam. He said: “It is clear to see that the
children are having a great time putting their teamwork and communications skills
into action.
“The range of skills this challenge demonstrates will certainly offer a glimpse into
how satisfying engineering can be, and ignite young people’s interest in a Science,
Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) profession.
Subsea 7 UK & Canada engineering director, Alan Black, said: “Subsea 7 is
delighted to offer local schools and businesses the opportunity to participate in this
initiative.
“Through the efforts of a large team of Subsea 7 employees, we have utilised the
components kindly donated by our suppliers to bring this successful learning
experience to local children.
“Children who have used a similar model in South Lanarkshire have shown great
enthusiasm to learn. Being so hands-on has encouraged pupils to ask questions,
with many showing a genuine interest in an engineering related career.”
President of Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers, Rachel Kennedy, said: "Civil
engineering is responsible for much of the infrastructure we take for granted in the
modern world, such as roads and bridges.
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"Like most areas of engineering, we need a constant supply of young talent, and
we are trying hard to raise the profile of civil engineering as an interesting and
rewarding career choice.
"Working together with Subsea 7 enables the Aberdeen Association of Civil
Engineers to deliver this hands-on project directly to school pupils, which will
hopefully get them interested in becoming our civil engineers of the future.”
The bridge model is now available to any primary school, or schools that group
together, to host their own bridge building day.
Businesses and schools who would like to find out more or sign up to this exciting
project should contact: Beth Montgomery, ICE Scotland, Communications
Executive. Email: beth.montgomery@ice.org.uk
-Ends15 SEPTEMBER 2014
Contact:
Michelle Wainwright
Communications Manager, UK & Canada
eMail michelle.wainwright@subsea7.com
Tel +44 1224 526570
Mobile +44 (0)7876778370
Notes to editors:
Subsea 7 S.A. is a seabed-to-surface engineering, construction and services
contractor to the offshore energy industry worldwide. We provide integrated
services, and we plan, design and deliver complex projects in harsh and
challenging environments.
For further information visit www.subsea7.com
ICE: Institution of Civil Engineers
Bridges to Schools is an intitiative which takes a 12m long model of a cable-stayed
bridge into Primary Schools. Pupils are able to build, walk across and deconstruct
the bridge, learning about bridges, teamwork and civil engineering.
The Bridge model is available for visits of 2-4 days. It is aimed at children in P5, P6
and P7. Schools often group together and arrange for one school to host the Bridge
while pupils from other local schools come to the host school for the experience.
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Please visit one of the following websites for further information relating to the
Bridge to Schools initiative and the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland.
http://www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/UK-Regions/Scotland/Education/Bridges-to-Schools
http://www.ice.org.uk/nearyou/UK-Regions/Scotland
Sara Thiam, Regional Director
e: sara.thiam@ice.org.uk
dd: 0141 225 8190
Lynn Dow, ICE Scotland Co-ordinator
e: lynn.dow@ice.org.uk
dd: 0141 225 8192
Beth Montgomery, Communications Executive
e: beth.montgomery@ice.org.uk
dd: 0141-225 8193
Rachel Kennedy, President of Aberdeen Association of Civil Engineers
e:Rachel.c.kennedy@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Tel:01569 768211
Bridge components:
The bridge constructed by Subsea 7 was made possible through material donation
from: K & L Ross, Grampian Fasteners, RPI Rubber & Plastic Industries, Dales
Engineering, ATR Global Equipment Specialists and CHAP Construction
Other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives supported by Subsea 7 included:
Subsea 7 (£40,000) partnership with Transition Extreme –
In September 2014 Subsea 7 announced it was aiming to raise £40,000 to fund
two of Transition Extreme’s youth programmes, a Community Activity Fund and
Youth Club.
The Community Activity Fund provides free transport and coaching sessions at
Transition Extreme for young people with additional support needs including those
with profound and complex disabilities. Our support allows many young people to
benefit from physical activity that builds confidence, improves health and wellbeing
as well as assisting with social inclusion.
Subsea 7 will also support a Youth Club aimed at young people from Aberdeen’s
regeneration areas including Torry, Mastrick, Northfield and Tillydrone. Originally
approached by Police Scotland, Transition Extreme was asked if they could provide
safe, fun and educational activities, at time of high anti-social behaviour. With
Subsea 7’s support Transition Extreme will run a Youth Club on a Saturday night,
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giving 10-15 year old’s the chance to try a new sport whilst building confidence and
social skills whilst providing vital diversionary activities.
We’re also sharing our knowledge of health and safety, finance and human
resources to help develop the charity’s business. This allows the Transition Extreme
team to focus their efforts on the fantastic youth work they do.
Subsea 7 sponsors MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education)
Scotland ROV Challenge Subsea 7 takes great pride in sponsoring the Scottish heats of the MATE ROV
competition, which specifically aims to inspire local young minds to take a greater
interest in the importance of science, engineering, technology and mathematics
(STEM) – with a view to begin a career in the subsea industry.
Coordinated by Robert Gordon’s University, this unique competition challenges
secondary school teams to design and build their own underwater ROV (Remotely
Operated Vehicle), which is then required to maneuver through a series of missions
during regional and international heats.
If you no longer wish to receive our press releases please contact: communications@subsea7.com
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