THE PROTOEV CHALLENGE
The ProtoEV STEM Challenge uses the thrill and appeal of building and racing electric go karts to excite and enthuse young people from ages 11 -19 about the electrification of transport and equip students with the future skills required by this fast growth sector. The challenge inspires students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills and financial strategy, and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive and life changing way.
We target youth who may have low awareness of careers in engineering and technology and inspire them to pursue well paid careers as technicians, innovators and engineers. Diversity, inclusion and social mobility in STEM is our core purpose, with a particular focus on growing the confidence and self-belief of female, BAME and white working-class talent of all abilities. Our aim is to increase the intake of students on engineering and tech courses or undertaking apprenticeships to grow the workforce of the future.
Having begun in Greater Manchester in 2017, in 2022 ProtoEV is being rolled out nationally to widen the opportunity to students living in London, Oxford, and the West Midlands in partnership with Oxford Brookes University’s Centre for Motorsport Engineering, home to the top performing Formula Student racing team for the past 19 years.
The competition is split into three categories; teams taking part in the Starter and Intermediary Class use 3D printers, CAD/CAM software to design, manufacture, test, and then race miniature motorised karts. All teams will be given free loan of a 3D printer from Create Education, in addition to access to a wealth of learning resources.
Teams in the Advanced Class (13 – 19 years) get to convert full size petrol go karts into high powered electric karts which they test and race on a track to see which is the fastest and most energy efficient.
Through being hands on, team members will develop a basic understanding of electric vehicles, practical engineering and problem-solving skills that are needed to deliver continuous performance improvement. Young people will also learn how to collect and analyse data using their smartphones, as budgeting and social media marketing.
Teams also get the opportunity to work alongside companies innovating in this space. Each team gets to work with a nominated business partner to ensure real-world knowledge/skills transfer, career understanding and contribute to the end of project celebration event. Teams are also required to engage their local community to raise sponsorship
NB. Team places limited to 20. Will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Contact us to register your interest info@theblairproject.org