Member Article

Yorkshire’s Young Engineers Speak Out for Engineering

Sheffield celebrates Yorkshire Region’s remarkable industry success

Prominent figures from across the region’s engineering and business sector recently came together at Sheffield’s Cutler’s Hall to celebrate the industry’s successes at the prestigious Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Yorkshire Regional Dinner 2016.

The industry’s ‘Speak Out for Engineering’ competition, which puts Yorkshires young engineers’ presentation skills and knowledge for mechanical engineering to the test, was also brought to a close - with engineer Rasan Chandra, who qualified in the South Yorkshire Region Heat, being awarded first prize for his presentation ‘Abradables in Aero Engines’.

The competition, which is in its 52nd year, saw entrants from across South and East Yorkshire showcase their knowledge for mechanical engineering in a presentation designed to showcase their ability to present complex concepts to people outside of the engineering sector.

This year’s event, sponsored by Yorkshire based Elevation Recruitment’s specialist engineering division for the 4th year running, saw representatives from Yorkshire battle it out at a final which took place at Elevation Recruitments headquarters on Saturday 9th April.

The black-tie awards evening saw winner Rasan Chandra receive The Philip Hilton Trophy and a £500 cash prize for his innovative presentation investigating the use of abradable linings within compressors and turbines to improve engine efficiency and minimise the consumption of aviation fuel.

The trophy, named in memory of Philip Hilton, was titled by IMechE in a bid to remember Hilton’s great deeds in promoting engineering across the region.

The competition, which was first established in 1964, was organised by IMechE’s Volunteer Network and although it has evolved and adapted over time, the key message is still to challenge young engineers and provide them with a chance to demonstrate their public speaking and visual presentation skills.

The competitors conducted a presentation on a subject relating to mechanical engineering which was followed by questions and discussion from a prestigious panel of judges - which included Elevation Recruitment’s Senior Director John Bohan who congratulated all of the participants on the quality of their presentations.

He said: “Congratulations to the winner of this year’s Speak Out for Engineering competition and to those who were shortlisted but marginally pipped to the post.

“We are delighted to be involved with competitions that challenge the future leaders of the industry and celebrate the regions successes.

“Elevation are proud to support this event year-on-year as it not only allows young engineers to test their skills and gain confidence for future roles but also provides a platform for the industry to showcase talent across the Yorkshire region.”

The fifth annual Yorkshire Regional Dinner also boasted keynote speeches from the current IMechE President, Professor Richard Folkson; Master Cutler, Craig McKay; and the IMechE Yorkshire Region Chairman, Dr Peter Ingham.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Steel .