Arnold Clark apprentices Louis Kane and Darren McCaig have won the Glasgow Apprenticeship Challenge, after producing some innovative ways to help bring STEM subjects to life at Abercorn Secondary in Cowcaddens, which caters to young people with additional support needs.
The Garage Equipment apprentices created a number of interactive STEM learning tools, which they handed over to the pupils and staff at Abercorn Secondary on Wednesday 28th November at a special assembly. The showpiece was a modified bicycle connected to a voltmeter, which shows how much electricity is being generated when pedalled. Just to add a little extra wonder, the bicycle also talks when someone is pedalling, shouting out a series of pre-programmed messages. On top of that, it’s been coated with some thermochromic paint which changes colour from black to yellow with the help of a hairdryer.
After testing out the bicycle, second-year pupil Max Bernard said: ‘It was really awesome! I really love the fact that it started talking to me. I can’t wait to use it in class.’
First year Adele Black spent some time playing with the bike and hairdryer. She said: ‘I really enjoyed the assembly today. I couldn’t believe it changed colour. It was like magic.’
Louis and Darren also developed a STEM wallboard which showcases Scottish inventors and their work, and features a number of related puzzles. If the pupils can answer all of the questions, they get a code which unlocks a website full of puzzles and games.
In addition, the apprentices also donated a number of engineering-based toys and games, allowing pupils of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Julie Logue, Faculty Head of Technologies said: ‘They’ve thought of everything. They’ve thought of the range of needs we have within the school and they’ve gone from something quite high-tech down to something really simple to use. It’s brilliant.’
The apprentices attended the Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow Futures event at the University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre where it was announced they had taken first place in the challenge.
Alison McRae, Senior Director at the Chamber of Commerce said: ‘A huge congratulations to the apprentices from Arnold Clark, who demonstrated a great deal of skill and consideration for their local community with their education-based project, which combines many practical, visual and web elements to enhance Abercorn Secondary School students’ understanding of STEM, and promote its importance as a subject.’
Dawn Ritchie, Arnold Clark School and Employer Liaison said: ‘The Glasgow Apprenticeship Challenge has been an excellent opportunity for our apprentices to use the engineering skills they have gained throughout their apprenticeship, as well as additional interpersonal skills that they may otherwise not have had the opportunity to learn had they not participated in the challenge. The project has also helped them give back to the community by providing Abercorn Secondary with an ongoing learning platform which will help pupils learn about STEM-focused subjects in a fun and engaging way.’
As well as giving the apprentices the opportunity to help their local community, it also gave them a chance to find out more about the different job roles available at Arnold Clark.
Louis said: ‘It was amazing finding out how big Arnold Clark actually is and how many separate departments we have. I enjoyed using the skills I have gained from my apprenticeship and meeting new people across various departments in the business.’
The Glasgow Apprenticeship Challenge is coordinated by Developing the Young Workforce Glasgow and hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.