Mike Falconer, education and development manager at the MTA, says: “Every year we’re amazed by all the fantastic projects that are entered. TDI lets students use their imaginations to create something unique; the level of skill and application of manufacturing processes on show always astounds the judges. For many former winners and entrants this competition has been their first step into a manufacturing or engineering career, and we’re excited to see what this year will bring.”
There are four prize categories to be judged, two in each age group, 14-16 and 17-19. Each age category has two prizes up for grabs for individual and group projects. The winner in each category will receive an individual prize (including iPads, GoPro cameras, Minirig speakers and drones) as well as up to £2,000 of funding to spend on new design and technology (D&T) equipment for the classroom.
Previous winners and participants have used the TDI as a springboard into industry, such as last year’s winner in the 17-19 age category, Robbie MacIsaac of Strathallan School in Perth. His Flux Blowpipe design reduced the amount of moisture that gathers in bagpipes. His project gained a lot of attention and appeared on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as in The Times, the Scotsman newspaper and many other publications.
The judges said that MacIsaac’s project was “well researched and a great use of materials, and had a large potential market”.
The closing date for 2019 entries is 15 May, and only one application per student or group will be accepted, although schools are permitted to enter multiple students. Students cannot enter both the individual and group categories. Finalists will be notified by 7 June.
Applications are evaluated by a panel of judges who select the top 20 projects to attend the TDI Challenge Final hosted at Yamazaki Mazak's European Technology Centre in Worcester on 3 July. Finalists must be able to attend on this date with their finished project. Substitutes from the same school will not be accepted.
The chosen finalists display their portfolio of work in Mazak's atrium, and give a brief presentation to the judging panel who will decide the overall prize winners. All finalists will receive a guided tour of the facility, a presentation certificate and goodie bag to take home. Schools are offered press-release templates and photographs from the day to assist in their own local profile-raising initiatives.
