Manufacturing Technologies Association's TDI Challenge winners announced

The event saw young people drawn from across the UK, from Scotland to the South West, exhibit and present their projects to a panel of leading industrialists. Bob Hunt, chair of the Manufacturing Technologies Association's Education and Training Committee who also chaired the Judging Panel, said: "Seeing the project ideas and realised products was fantastically encouraging. The class of 2013 is packed full of talent and looks set to give a real shot in the arm to our manufacturing future. We were particularly impressed with the young people, who had not only used excellent engineering skills, but had also applied themselves to thinking creatively about how to turn their good ideas into great products with a real business potential." The TDI Challenge is divided into two categories, one for 14-16 year old students and one for 17-19 year olds. The winner in the 14-16 age group was Dan Sandalls, from Balcarras School, Cheltenham, who won with an ingenious system for keeping plates warm in hospitals and care homes. Dan said: "I really enjoyed the TDI Challenge Finals Day and was very surprised to win. It was really satisfying to see the time and effort I put into my project get rewarded, particularly in a category where everyone's work was of a very high standard. Hopefully, I can take this product forward and get it manufactured." The winner in the 17-19 age group was Matthew Hunter, from Chipping Sodbury School, with a smartphone charger attached to the hub of a bicycle wheel. As the bicycle is pedalled, an electrical charge is generated and fed to the smartphone's battery. Matthew said: "I was really pleased, and surprised, to have won first prize in my category. The judges asked a number of questions about my project and it was obvious they cared about what I was saying. I really enjoyed the format of the day and, as well as taking part in the competition itself, we got a good insight into the advanced manufacturing sector." Dr Damien Cleugh of Yamazaki Mazak said: "We were delighted to host the final judging of the MTA's TDI Challenge at our Technology Centre. The design and technology ideas showcased during the day were very impressive. At Mazak we are keen to develop young engineering talent and wish all the entrants every success in the future." Main image, L to R: TDI Challenge entrants Dan Sandalls, Rebecca Stephens and Leo Vaughan see the latest manufacturing technology during a tour of Mazak's Technology Centre