YOUNG engineers from schools across Warrington competed for the chance to win a £1,000 prize at Sellafield’s 10th annual Big Bang schools competition.

Culcheth High School were crowned winners at the end of a day which saw the year nine students display their STEM skills across a range of design and construction activities.

Sellafield Ltd is helping in developing knowledge of STEM – science, technology, engineering and maths – across Warrington.

And the firm hopes by raising young people’s knowledge of the opportunities these studies can offer, it can help build a workforce for the future.

The company directly employs more than 1,300 people at its base in Birchwood as the bulk of the company’s engineering design capability and other functions.

The Big Bang event was organised by a team of apprentices, industrial placement students and graduates, all who are passionate about promoting STEM.

Electrical design engineer degree apprentice Simone Wilson led the team.

She said: “The day was a great success and something to be proud of; it has been a great networking and team building opportunity to work together with other young individuals in the organisation.

"The team have shared our own experiences and knowledge to effectively promote STEM to a large turnout of different local schools, I hope that the event has enlightened the potential future generation of Engineers about the opportunities available to kick start their careers.”

Graduate mechanical design engineer Sarah Mundy added: “I have found it rewarding to give back to the community and also gain valuable experience in organising STEM events.”