A budding design engineer pupil from Hindley will be jetting off this Sunday 14th May to the Racing Capital of the World to take part in the biggest international electric kart racing championship for high schools.
Over 700 students from 4 x countries will be competing in the prestigious evGrand Prix run by Purdue University at the Indianapolis Speedway Circuit, home of the legendary Indy 500. The High school competition seeks to give students early experiences in advanced manufacturing and new technologies so they will choose careers as engineers or other skilled high-tech workers, and pursue degrees or apprenticeships.
16 year old Bradley Williams was part of a team of Year 10 pupils from Newbridge Learning Community in Platt Bridge who took part in the first ProtoGP Schools Kart Challenge, which was attended by HRH Prince Harry at Three Sisters Racing Circuit in Ashton-in-Makerfield back in July 2016.
ProtoGP uses a powerful combination of motorsport and 3D printing to teach technical & vocational skills that employers in the technology, engineering and digital sectors want. Teams of pupils get to computer design, make and build their own race karts using a 3D printer, before testing & racing them at Three Sisters.
The Blair Project’s CEO and founder Nile Henry (21) said “ Bradley’s enthusiasm and passion for automotive design set him apart. ProtoGP has helped him discover talents he never knew he had, and helped grow his aspirations, ambitions and confidence. He added “ We also hope to watch Fernando Alonso testing for the Indy 500 during our week there”
Working with The Blair Project has been a life changing experience for 16 year old Bradley Williams, who said “I was originally going to be a ground worker cos that’s all that I thought I could do. Working with The Blair Project really opened up my eyes to what I am capable of doing, jobs that I never thought I could do. I want to be an engineer now and train either through an apprenticeship or go to university”
Headteacher of Newbridge Learning community, Elaine Kucharski added “
The Blair project has provided a wealth of inspiration and opportunities to not only Bradley and the group of students who took part in it originally, but to the whole school in general who have followed its progress and success. Bradley has grown in maturity and his outlook on life is significantly improved as a consequence of his involvement with the project. The support given and recognition of his potential has been second to none! To see Bradley thrive and succeed has been wonderful!. I am immensely proud of him and his commitment as well as being ever grateful to Nile, Blair and Marilyn for the belief they have shown in him. I know he will take so much from this ‘ once in a lifetime trip’ to Indianapolis and look forward to hearing all about it on his return !.