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 Trophy and Polly Model Engineering Prize
This Award is 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.
While pursuance of excellence by those in their late teens and early twenties is promoted, work by youngsters taking their first steps in the hobby of model engineering is also encouraged. Participation in Club or Society activities is important.
The winner will receive prizes donated by the proprietors of Polly Model Engineering Limited and the FMES together with a suitably inscribed Trophy which shall be retained.
The award will normally be presented at an Annual General Meeting of the FMES at which representatives of the winner’s family and Club or Society are welcome to attend.
The 2024 competition has now been closed for entries and the judges are at work assessing these. Prize winners will shortly be informed and the awards will be presented at the AGM on 2 March 2024 to be held at the Boscombe Down Aviation Museum in Wiltshire. Details of the winners will be found here in due course.