Sheffield Academies compete in exclusive Mercedes-Benz UK enterprise challenge
14 July 2010
ULT’s Sheffield Springs Academy and Sheffield Park Academy competed in an exclusive enterprise challenge set by Mercedes-Benz UK. The challenge was launched in January when Adam Slater, General Manager at Mercedes-Benz, Wentworth Park, and his colleagues visited Sheffield Springs Academy to brief the two teams. It culminated in final presentations delivered by students on 7 July before a panel of top Mercedes-Benz executives at Mercedes-Benz World in Brooklands, Surrey.
Each academy team was given a specific brief. The brief for Sheffield Park Academy required the students to design a luxury van that would appeal to a particular target market – complete with high-tech interior and exterior features. The Sheffield Springs Academy team was assigned a workshop challenge, requiring them to develop an intimate knowledge of Mercedes-Benz trucks and their fuel-saving efficiencies.
Following their final presentations, students and staff explored the extensive, state-of-the-art facilities at Mercedes-Benz World. Students enjoyed the thrill of driving A-Class Mercedes around the young drivers’ course. They were also whisked around the Brooklands track in a Mercedes-AMG 6.2 litre V8 engine performance car by a professional touring car driver and had a chance to experience rugged off-roading in a Mercedes 4x4.
The day concluded with the panel’s decision. The judges praised both teams for their business acumen, professionalism and dedication. They offered feedback to both teams before announcing Sheffield Springs Academy as the winner of the challenge.
Jane Miles, Principal of Sheffield Springs Academy, said: “We would like to thank all the staff at Mercedes-Benz for the invaluable help, advice and support they have provided throughout the challenge to both Sheffield Springs and Sheffield Park Academies. The experience was an unforgettable one for our students and staff, and it has furthered their interest in engineering, business and enterprise. We look forward to working with Mercedes-Benz on our next challenge.”
