British engineering company Renishaw has renewed its partnership with the Greenpower Education Trust, a UK-based charity that ignites enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects by engaging students in the design, build and racing of electric cars. According to the company, this continued collaboration reinforces its dedication to promoting practical learning experiences and encouraging diversity in engineering through hands-on projects.
As part of the new three-year agreement, Renishaw is once again sponsoring the Castle Combe Heat of the Formula 24 and F24+ challenges, which will take place on 1 June at Castle Combe Circuit in Chippenham. The Formula 24 challenge is designed for 11- to 16-year-olds, and Formula F24+ is for 16- to 25-year-olds. These challenges allow teams to construct and race either a Greenpower Kit Car or a custom-built vehicle adhering to Greenpower’s safety regulations. They encourage creativity, problem-solving and collaboration – key skills for any aspiring engineer. Beyond Formula 24, Renishaw also actively supports the Formula Goblins programme, designed for primary school children aged nine to 11.
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The Castle Combe Heat takes place a few weeks before International Women in Engineering Day, and is a great opportunity to highlight both organisations’ dedication to increasing participation of girls and young women in STEM careers. Greenpower has seen a rising number of all-female teams taking part in its challenges. In 2024, more than a third of primary- and secondary-school-age Greenpower participants were girls and young women. The improved engagement is evident in some of the young women who, after participating in the Greenpower programme, were inspired to pursue engineering careers and now work at Renishaw.
‘Greenpower is a prime example of a STEM-based charity that is not gender biased. From Goblins to F24+, it is actively encouraged for girls and young women to participate, whether that be driving or helping in the background. I first got involved with Greenpower in 2008 when my primary school invited Year 6 students to apply for their Goblin team; the final team consisted of six boys and two girls,’ said Liz Craven, manufacturing development engineer at Renishaw. ‘It is because of Greenpower that I discovered the Renishaw F24+ team, who then inspired me to apply for one of their graduate schemes. Nearly four years later, I’m a manufacturing development engineer and an active STEM ambassador aiming to inspire the next generation of female engineers.’
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‘Greenpower is an excellent way to engage young people in engineering through practical and competitive learning experiences,’ said Rebecca Bound, senior early careers STEM outreach officer at Renishaw. ‘We’re proud to continue our partnership and look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and innovation of the participants. Encouraging diversity in STEM is essential and it’s inspiring to see so many young girls participating in Greenpower teams.’
‘We’re delighted that Renishaw has renewed its support for the next three years. Their ongoing commitment is invaluable in helping us provide young people with hands-on engineering experiences that ignite a passion for STEM. Partnerships like this are crucial to inspiring the next generation of innovators and equipping them with the skills to shape the future,’ said Barnabas Shelbourne, CEO Greenpower Education Trust.
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Renishaw also hosts Greenpower events at its sites in Gloucestershire and South Wales. The Renishaw Miskin Goblins race, hosted at its Miskin manufacturing facility in South Wales, and the Renishaw New Mills Goblins race, held at its headquarters site near Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, introduce students to engineering principles in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Schools can integrate the project into their curriculum, allowing students to build and race their cars at Greenpower events.
Renishaw looks forward to another exciting season of Greenpower events, celebrating innovation, teamwork and the next generation of engineers. If you would like to start your STEM career with Renishaw, visit the company’s Early Careers pages for more information and resources.