Aberdeenshire-based steel, cladding and sheet metal specialists, KR Group is passionate about inspiring the next generation of talent.
Through partnerships with schools across the North-east, the company is creating opportunities for young people to gain real-world experience, helping them build skills and a greater understanding of the career opportunities available to them.
This commitment is reflected in KR Group’s support and sponsorship of Aberdeen Racing, a team of six students from Aberdeen Grammar School's Young Engineers Club who recently achieved outstanding success in the national STEM on Track competition.
STEM on Track is a year-long educational programme that brings STEM to life through motorsport. Working as a team, students build a fully functioning go-kart from scratch, complete curriculum-linked STEM learning modules and put their kart to the test in a series of races at the National Finals. Built around three key elements – Build, Learn and Race – the programme is designed to develop engineering, design, project management, teamwork, and communication skills.
Lauren Moroney from KR Group presenting Aberdeen Racing with sponsored polo shirts.
Competing in the programme for the first time, Aberdeen Racing travelled almost 950 miles for the National Finals near Silverstone in June. Facing competition from ninety teams from across the UK, the team was one of only four Scottish schools to take part and delivered an outstanding performance, winning the Learn Award Champion Trophy and finishing third overall in the race.
Their kart also received recognition during the scrutineering process for the high standard of its construction before successfully completing thirty-three laps during the 45-minute endurance race.
Nicola Fraser, KR Group Business Director said: "The Aberdeen Racing team has shown what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and apply their learning in a practical setting. Supporting opportunities like this is an important part of how we engage with future talent and help bridge the gap between education and industry. Congratulations to everyone involved on an exceptional result."
Matthew Foster, Principal Teacher Art, Design & Technology, Aberdeen Grammar School commented: "The STEM on Track pupils were only able to compete in the National Finals because of KR Group’s generosity as our main sponsor. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which was greatly appreciated by all involved."