Plymouth MP joins UTC Apprentices at the 2014 UK Youth Rocketry Challenge Launch

More than 20 MPs attended the launch of the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge taking place in Westminster on Wednesday (6 November). The MPs worked with apprentices from their constituencies, to assemble and launch an air pressure powered rocket as far as possible.

Alison Seabeck, MP for Plymouth Moor View, was delighted to meet Joe and Jordan, both apprentices at UTC Aerospace in Plymouth. Whilst they did not send their rocket the furthest, they did a good job, finishing in the middle of the pack. The launch was a great chance for Alison to hear about the great opportunities that apprenticeships in the aerospace sector can provide for budding engineers.

Alison said: "It was great to meet Joe and Jordan and to be involved in the launch of an exciting competition. Britain needs more and more companies to take on apprentices like Joe and Jordan, so that young people can build their skills and learn a skilled trade in a thriving work place. Apprenticeship schemes like the one supported through the new UTC are a vital way of creating a skilled workforce in Plymouth and across the country, which will help our economy thrive in the future."

UKAYRoC is the largest model rocket showcase in the UK with the top prize of competing in the International Fly-Off against the American, French and Japanese winning teams at the Farnborough International Air show 2014 and an all expenses paid aerospace trip to Paris and Toulouse.

The UKAYRoC 2014 Challenge is now open for registration, and it is a great chance for school children to get involved in the world of aerospace, engineering and science. The Challenge for 2014 is to achieve a target altitude of 825 feet with the rocket and have a flight duration of between 48 and 50 seconds. The payload is two raw medium sized hen’s eggs.  The entire rocket must return to the ground safely using two parachutes of the same size. Furthermore, gross lift-off weight should be no more than 650 grams.

For more information on how to enter the competition visit www.ukayroc.org.uk.