October 7, 2016, by Liz Cass

Print me an MP! NUAST students show how it’s done…

Historical figures were traditionally immortalised in marble but Nottingham’s future engineers are recreating the heads of MPs in plastic to showcase the skills that are essential for the country’s growth.

Lillian Greenwood MP, visit to NUAST ahead of the Nottingham in Parliament Day.
Taylor Jones 17 pictured creating a 3D printer image of Lillian Greenwood MP.

Students at Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology invited their local MP Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) into the classroom to scan and produce a 3D print out of her head.

The finished product will be presented to Lilian at Nottingham in Parliament Day on Tuesday October 25th as part of an event in demonstrating how Nottingham is developing the Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) skills of the future.

Lilian said: “Nottingham has a really proud heritage of science and engineering but we’re also part of the future. The University of Nottingham and NUAST are both part of that and it’s exciting that young people in Nottingham are developing skills in the STEM subjects that the country needs. I’m looking forward to Nottingham in Parliament Day where we’ll be showcasing what we have to offer and of course to receiving my 3D head, which will have pride of place in my office.”

From school outreach activities to apprenticeships and technical education, to innovations in undergraduate and postgraduate study, organisations such as E.ON, Science Council, Siemens and Nottingham Trent University are working together to ensure the future of STEM skills in Nottingham all of which will be showcased on October 25th.

Pictured LtR; Katy Walker 16 and Matt Taylor 16 pictured working on a 3D printer image of Einstein.

Jim Smith, Assistant Principal at NUAST, said: “There is a national shortage of engineers in Britain and for the country to grow we need to make things. NUAST bridges this gap between secondary education, university, and industry and we’re developing the future scientists and engineers.

“Our students  need to understand how things are manufactured and using a 3D printer is very useful for that. They can design something and then print it immediately to test how it works. It’s a high end skill but it’s at the foundation of future manufacturing and for those that are interested this will be in action at our open days.”

Nottingham in Parliament Day will see more than 100 Nottingham institutions come together for 44 events taking place in the Houses of Parliament. It is the first time a city has taken over Westminster and aims to celebrate the people, institutions and businesses that make Nottingham great.

Pictured LtR; William Cole 17, Lillian Greenwood MP, Paige Hancox 18, Michael Leek 17.

Pictured LtR; Katy Walker 16, Lillian Greenwood MP, Robert White (Principal), Paige Hancox 18.

Lillian Greenwood MP, chatting with students.

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