A GROUP of sixth formers have been commended for their success in the Engineering Education Scheme.

Six students from Beaminster and Sir John Colfox joint sixth form have been working alongside engineers from Amsafe Bridport, taking part in a six month project to gain their Industrial Cadets gold award.

The team were tasked with designing an automatic pickup system, which could remotely pick up a load underneath a helicopter without any intervention from people on the ground.

After research and prototyping, the students attended a residential workshop at Bath University, where they used the engineering facilities to print 3D models of their designs and run some tests. Over the six months, the team took their ideas from blank paper to working prototypes, which digitally tested stronger than any existing product they were able to find.

The students involved - John Marsh, Oscar Balazs, Jake Dagnell-Jones, Finley Layton, Saoirse Murphy and Willian Baker - finally presented their findings to panels of experienced engineers and produced display stands to show off their work.

The team not only achieved their Industrial Cadets gold awards, but also won the Rolls Royce People's Choice Award after they received the highest number of votes for best project on display at the event.

Mr John Crossland, head of science at Beaminster, who supported the team, said: “As their A level physics teacher, I am extremely impressed with the work the students have done and the dedication they have put in to the project.

"Every member of the team is now looking to take on further study in a branch of engineering, and hoping to pursue a successful future career in the field. The project has opened their eyes to the opportunities available to them, and given them invaluable experience and skills."

He added: "The team are extremely grateful for the input from Amsafe engineers, John Hunter and Aaron Hitchcock, who initially helped set up the project with Amsafe Bridport, and I would like to thank them, and Amsafe, for all their help, support and time.”

Industrial Cadets is a qualification endorsed and promoted by HRH the Prince of Wales, designed to increase the number of young people pursuing careers in engineering.