Primary 6 pupils from 50 schools throughout Glasgow, Renfrewshire and Dunbartonshire are taking their first steps towards a career in engineering by competing in an event organised by SETPOINT Scotland, based at the University of Glasgow. The Regional Final of the Junior Engineers for Britain 2005 K'NEX Challenge will be held at Glasgow College of Nautical Studies on Wednesday 25 May 2005.

SETPOINT is an organisation which aims to provide teachers and young people with educational support on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). The University of Glasgow, which hosts SETPOINT Scotland West, is supporting the event which will encourage pupils to demonstrate their creativity, imagination and ingenuity. The teams of two pupils from each school have just one hour to design and make a model with K'NEX construction kits. The final model will be judged on its design, function and visual appeal; and the pupils will be marked on their skills in problem solving, presentation and communication.

Steve Brindley, Operations Manager of SETPOINT Scotland said: "We have been running this challenge for several years now and are delighted to be working in partnership with Careers Scotland and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies to support the K'NEX Challenge. This year we are particularly pleased with the way the learning communities in this area have worked together in the build up to the final.

'The winners will go on to the Scottish Final on 17 June at Hampden Park". The UK final will be held in London in September and the overall winners will be crowned Junior Engineers for Britain 2005.

In the run up to this year's Regional Final, Science and Engineering Ambassadors have worked with primary pupils and teachers, while secondary schools have hosted the heats. The benefits have been stronger links all round and increased awareness of science and technology programmes running in primary schools.

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information contact Aileen Hamilton on 0141 330 5370 or email Aileen.Hamilton@bio.gla.ac.uk Alternatively contact the University Press Office on 0141 330 3683

First published: 23 May 2005