Last week, a team of 23 Halewood dragons descended on All Saints Catholic High School. The volunteers ran a full day Dragons’ Den design challenge for the Year 8 students to help strengthen their employability skills and raise awareness of career opportunities at the plant.
Students benchmarked Evoque and Discovery Sport vehicles then worked in teams to design a new vehicle accessory. Teams in each of the seven classrooms brainstormed, calculated costs and pricing and built prototypes. They then delivered a short product pitch and were grilled by a team of Dragons. The winner from each class won a place in the Grand Final and had to present in front of the entire year group.
Event organiser Dave Parry, LLA Manager, commented: “The event has been a great success today and all 200 students have enjoyed the experience. Well done to all the Halewood volunteers, including those from the LLA, apprentices and production, for making the day such a great success.”
Trevor Leeks, Halewood Operations Director, supported the event and was a Dragon in the Grand Final alongside headteacher Tony McGuinness and a Year 8 teacher. Trevor said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the event and listening to the students’ great ideas. These included an automatic tyre changing device, social media windows and front windscreen sat nav. The winning design was an integrated gaming and entertainment system powered by solar panels which was really impressive. Well done to all involved.”