Helicopter Rotor Challenge excites students at Beaulieu

Many of the 300 attendees tested their hand-eye and measurement prowess to find the right size bolt to fit into a Lynx Helicopter blade. Based on the Solent University stand, Nicola Parr and Megan Kelly, two engineering STEM ambassadors, showed the rotor blades to students and explained the challenge. 

The Rotor Challenge was devised by the founders of Hands On The Future (HOTF), three local engineers who are Fellows of the RSA. They are extremely concerned about the decline of the teaching of hands-on skills to students, and work closely with Solent University in Southampton and local schools. 

The HOTF team have reconfigured a Lynx Rotor blade to demonstrate a working hands-on exhibit as part of their campaign to revive the teaching of these skills in schools and colleges. 

“We believe in the vital importance of teaching hands-on skills to support work in all areas, especially where machines and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly important,” said Peter Mucci, one of the founders of HOTF. “These skills will remain vital in many creative, manufacturing and maintenance processes, including those where new technology and AI are involved. 

“It was encouraging to see so many female students taking part in the challenge. This is evidence that there is less gender bias than people think when it comes to manufacturing and engineering projects.” 

The interactive Get Inspired exhibitions are organized by EBP South to showcase some of the job opportunities available for students. This event was supported by Southern Universities Network, ExxonMobil, and New Forest District Council. 

Local teachers said they were eager to have the Rotor Challenge presented at their schools. The next outing for the Rotor Challenge will happen at the Careers Day for Wildern School, Hedge End on 1 October. 

Fellows of the RSA interested in supporting the HOTF campaign or in learning more, please contact: Peter Mucci FRSA peter@handsonthefuture.co.uk; Nick Keith FRSA nickkeith47@gmail.com; or Claire Doran (South East Area Manager) at claire.doran@rsa.org.uk.