UK Skills environmental science competition

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UK Skills environmental science competition

Thousands of visitors to the Skills Show in Birmingham in November had the opportunity to test their environmental knowledge, learn about soil science and try their hand at forecasting earthquakes using party poppers!



Prospect members at The Skills Show

Stephen Hughes and Owen Wastell of Coleg Sir Gar, pictured below, were the gold medal winners in Prospect’s environmental science competition.

Stephen and Owen beat off competition from five other teams – from SW College in Ulster, North Notts and Mid Kent Colleges.

The silver medal was awarded to Chloe Owens and Josh Foster of Furness College and another team from Coleg Sir GarTamar Lewis and James McMillan – took the bronze medal.

Each team had around 15 hours to develop a sustainable energy plan for an island community and convince a panel of judges to support their blueprint. Plans had to take account of:

  • the island’s geography and natural resources
  • energy security and sustainability and
  • costs and benefits for the local economy.

The competition was ably supported by a group of Prospect volunteers including NEC member Nigel Titchen, Paul Curtis and David Bailey.

The judges included Lois Philipps – an environmental consultant; Dick Crofts – whose original idea formed the basis for the competition; and Professor John Rees, risk research champion at the British Geological Survey.

Prospect is also grateful for the Natural Environment Research Council’s continuing support.