The Bosch Technology Horizons Award 2011 – which aims to introduce young people to engineering – is now open for entries.
The essay writing competition offers cash prizes and paid work experience for winners at one of the boiler maker’s UK sites. There are two age categories: 14-18 and 19-24.
Entrants have choice of essay questions to answer concerning weither what engineering developments are expected to be made over the next 125 years or what entrants consider Bosch founder Robert Bosch’s greatest invention to be.
In the 14-18 age group, the first prize is £700 and two weeks of paid work experience. In the 18-24 age group, the first prize is £1,000 and six months work. Winners in both age groups will receive an invitation for two people to attend the Royal Academy of Engineering Awards Dinner in June 2011.
Peter Fouquet, president of Bosch in the UK, explained that young people in engineering ius something the company holds very dear, considering its own foundations. “125 years ago Robert Bosch set up his first workshop as a 25 year old engineer after studying to become a precision mechanic,” he said. “Robert Bosch had a vision to manufacture products which would help people in their everyday lives and we want to encourage young people to have a similar vision and understand the beneficial impact of technological innovation.”
“Engineering is about problem solving, but the fact is that we have a shortage of engineers in the UK which must be addressed if we are to solve many of the critical problems we face, such as climate change.
“The Bosch Technology Horizons Award is designed to show young people that engineering can be a worthwhile career which can make an enormous contribution to society and economic performance.”
Entries can be submitted online at www.bosch.co.uk/technologyhorizons/ and the closing date is March 18, 2011.
Pictured: Lord Browne addresses attendees at the 2010 Bosch Technology Horizons Award presentation dinner
