Young Engineers
Introduction
The Federation of Model Engineering Societies (FMES) is delighted to provide support for young people interested in pursuing engineering activities because engineering is such an extremely satisfying, creative and worthwhile pursuit, both as a career and as a hobby activity. Indeed, the seeds of this interest are usually implanted at a very early age and hobby activities give young people an outlet for developing their interest and their practical abilities. Many of our affiliated member clubs have young member sections and these can be a good place for a young person to gain skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their lives by learning from experienced people willing to pass their enthusiasm and ability on to later generations.
We can support these clubs and young engineers by providing communication and links, events and competitions and more as we can interact with other organisations. One example is the ‘Polly Award’, a competition open to young engineers with voucher prizes and a trophy.
Previous award winners Daniel Bell and Matthew Kenington are members of Hereford Society of Model Engineers. (Photo: John Arrowsmith)
YOUNG ENGINEERS
Federation Young Engineers Support Award
The future of Model Engineering – and the UK’s engineering excellence – is in the hands of the next generations, and we wish to encourage young people’s involvement in this fascinating and fulfilling hobby with a new award.
The competition, to be held annually, is for a substantial financial award that will be presented to the club that makes the best proposal, in the opinion of FMES judges, that will set out to deliver the following aims:
- To provide a financial contribution to facilitate the growth of a structured Young Engineer ‘section’ in the winning club to encourage and support Young Engineer activities.
- To encourage more young people to take up engineering as a hobby, leading to a life-long interest in engineering both in the amateur and maybe professional environments.
- To enhance the engineering experience for their young engineers.
- To enable appropriate publicity encouraging other young engineers and clubs.
It is open to all clubs affiliated to FMES either to enhance an existing young engineer group, or to start a new group.
The details for entering for this award can be found HERE
Federation Trophy and Polly Model Engineering Prize
This Award was made with the aim of encouraging young persons to participate in the hobby of model engineering with particular emphasis on acquiring the relevant skills and use of appropriate materials, as well as participating in Club or Society activities.
The winners received prizes donated by the proprietors of Polly Model Engineering Limited and the FMES together with a suitably inscribed Trophy or certificate.
This award is currently paused while we consider future options, but our support for Young Engineers and clubs that promote this activity continues.
If you would like to read about some past winners, this can be found HERE