Dubai: Schools in the UAE will provide students with the opportunity to design, construct, and compete in electric car races as part of their coursework, paving the way for them to pursue careers in motorsport and electric vehicle engineering.
More than 10,000 students each year in Europe, the US and Asia take part in the Greenpower programme, which uses the thrill of motorsport to help them excel in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
This practical learning initiative empowers young people, from primary school age through to university, to develop the skills needed to build motorsport careers, work as engineers, as well as team management or other key roles. Pole Position, the Dubai-based automotive events and motorsports consultancy in connection with Greenpower Education Trust have instigated this challenge in the UAE, starting with 41 GEMS Education schools.
Participating schools will form teams to design and build electric kit cars supplied by the Trust, a UK-based charity which has been running the programme for over 20 years. Teams consisting of three drivers and a support crew will ultimately race the electric cars at Dubai Autodrome in the Formula 24 category for 11 to 16-year-olds.
Mr. Matthew Tompkins, Director of Student Employability for GEMS Education, remarked that, “We are excited to be involved in this project as we continue to promote sustainability among all students at GEMS Education. This initiative complements the work our schools are doing and builds on the commitment of our transport provider, STS Group. STS is on a journey to reduce its carbon emissions and minimise its impact on climate change.”
“It is determined to force change and, with the introduction of biofuel, has started to reduce the carbon emissions of its fleet. The lessons our students learn through being involved with initiatives like this will impact on the decisions they make as the leaders of tomorrow,” Mr. Tompkins added.