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A collaboration aimed at encouraging more females to think about careers in green technology has been hailed as a great success. 

Following on from two ‘Green Tech Fest’ events that were held at Adastral Park in Martlesham, the final stage of this partnership saw a competition involving over 100 secondary school students (that were predominantly female) take part in a competition.

The occasion took place at the University Professional Development Centre based on Western Way in Bury St Edmunds. 

The challenge asked students to come up with solutions to real life problems relating to green technology in either an urban development or the agricultural sector. 

Some of the ideas that students came up with included automated delivery drones powered by hydrogen, an ‘electropad’ for pavements that generates electricity as people walk on them and an automated robot to clean up the streets.

Vouchers to support technology clubs in schools totalling £1000.00 were then evenly distributed to all schools who participated. 

n2s, the technology IT waste lifecycle management company donated three recycled copper bottles that were awarded to students for innovation and teamwork.

All competitors received a CREST Discovery award certificate from the British Science Association. 

The programme of events was set up thanks to a link-up between BT, Eastern Education Group, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, STEM learning and N2S.

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The whole idea of the campaign was to shine a light on the exciting opportunities that technology roles offer in relation to sustainability – whilst also encouraging more girls to consider careers in technology.                             

As part of that, Charlie Shingfield, 19, from Mildenhall spoke about her passion for technology during this final session. The level 3 West Suffolk College engineering student said: “I spoke about my experiences on the course and I enjoy attending events like this -trying to get young people engaged in technology – it’s empowering.”               

Loreli Ellistone, 17, Great Livermere is on the same course as Charlie and also spoke about her passion for engineering and technology. Loreli said: “I came along (to the Green Tech Fest) to try and be a role model, be a positive voice to other young people, give my perspective and tell all boys and girls present that you can do it – even if you are nervous. I said don’t be scared and bring your own perspective (to green technology).”

In terms of why she loves green tech, Loreli added: “I love the creativity of it and coming up with solutions – I find it relaxing. I think what the college is doing with the campaign is brilliant.”                                                                                                                   

Emily Cormack, 13 from Alde Valley Academy took part in the competition,. She said: “It was interesting learning new ways of technology in agriculture. I think the campaign is strong. It has increased my want to go into it (green tech).”

Jessica Martin, 14, from Alde Valley Academy said: “I’ve always really loved technology. I like the campaign – it empowers people to believe people do it (work in technology).”

Charlie Evans, 13, from Claydon High School said: “I think the campaign is a great idea as we need more people to get into the sector to develop it further.”

Ella Fairburn, 13, from Claydon High School said: “I always knew the area I want to go in to but the campaign has helped me discover a bit more (about green technology).”

Nina Hart is the sustainability lead for Eastern Education Group. Nina said: “It’s really important to raise awareness of green tech and sustainable jobs – particularly with girls. I think this series of events have opened new career paths up to everyone who took part and I think that this project will hopefully create a legacy that increases female participation in this sector. The feedback we have had suggests that the campaign has been a huge success.”

Mr. Neill, Head of Business & Computing at Alde Valey said, “By giving girls experiences like the I Belong Day at BT, we empower them to pursue their passions, break barriers, and unleash their full potential. It broadens their horizons and encourages them to explore career paths they may not have considered before.”

A spokesperson for n2s said: “We were delighted to support this event, as it aligns perfectly with our values and mission to develop sustainability solutions and encourage diversity in the tech industry.”

Wood you believe it?

Three learners from West Suffolk College nailed it by coming first, second and third in a national skills competition.

They all took part in the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers City of London Craft Competition that took place at the Built Environment campus in Bury St Edmunds on Saturday 12 April 2025.

This was the first time that this occasion had taken place outside of the capital and the Suffolk air must have worked wonders for the college trio as they went away with the three top prizes.

A total of 21 competitors from four colleges were involved.

They all had eight hours to build a small coffee table from scratch during an event that was sponsored by Taylor Made Joinery and Festool.

All participants received £25.00 for entering thanks to The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers who also handed out £1000 to the winner, £500.00 to the second placed student and £100 to the highly commended learner who came third.

The winner for 2025 was 19-year-old James Buckle from Stowmarket. James works for Woodland Bespoke Joinery and finished his West Suffolk College apprenticeship on the day of the competition. He said: “I’ve been involved in competitions, and I managed my time well having learnt from previous experiences. I was very pleased and surprised to win. I’m delighted. My work colleagues were really impressed.

“I’m going to spend the money on tools to help me in the future. The win is a good thing for my career, a great thing to put on my CV and it’s a confidence boost.”

In terms of the college support, James - who was also awarded the John Rabey Platter and an engraved silver square for claiming the top spot - added: “Brian and the college have been a massive help to me - I would recommend it (West Suffolk College) to others – they have been very supportive.”

Gareth Watkins is the current Master of the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers who oversaw an event that has been running for over a decade. Gareth said: “Joinery is one of the basic trades that underpins building – it’s a great skill to have and it’s a skill that will always be needed.”

In terms of the competition, he added: “These skills showcase, show support and encouragement for the craft of Joinery across the country and it was great to see so many competitors take part.”

Peter Maton is the Chair of the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers Craft Committee.

Peter said: “I employ apprentices myself and competitions like this help show you that there are youngsters out there with real talent.

“This is the first time it’s been held outside of London and it’s good to promote the trade in other parts of the country. It hopefully inspires people to come into the industry and that is what it’s all about.”

Carpentry lecturer from the college Brian Tunbridge said: “This is a great competition and to see our students bag the top three prizes shows the standard and quality of student that we are producing. It made me feel incredibly proud when the winners were announced.”