Together with companies, we offer a unique challenge to class groups and college students. And we do so through a realistic, playful and competitive project, the Greenpower Challenge: designing, building and "racing" an electric single-seater car.
Young people more readily choose careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths if they know which companies they can work in, what exciting jobs there are, what enthusiastic colleagues they will meet there, how fun and challenging it can be.
But so they often don't know that.
It gives students a different perspective and introduces them to the industry. It is extremely important for students to see what the world of work and industry has to offer and it helps them form a picture of career opportunities. This is crucial and the broader the experience students gain, the better informed they will be.
Neil Griffiths, Greenpower mentor and Divisional Director for Logistics, Arco
At the right time, with the right students. For example, in the schools where your current employees also studied. And with students who - within a few months or years - will apply for jobs in your region or company.
Because by now they know your company. They have discovered that working there is interesting, exciting, challenging, meaningful. That the atmosphere is good. That they will grasp projects at your company and bring them to a successful conclusion. Or analyse and solve a difficult technical issue. Or organise, plan and cooperate to achieve concrete results.
As in their Greenpower-time when, at school or college, they learned about your company.
Because you came to help. You were there at the games to support them, with their parents, their friends and the neighbourhood. And you made it financially possible for them to build and participate ... and win.
Compared to other European countries, Belgium scores poorly in terms of the number of graduates in STEM subjects. In this, young people indicate that they know too little about what STEM studies entail and what the later opportunities are. And they feel insufficiently prepared for their professional future.
That is why we created the non-profit association Greenpower Benelux Challenge launched.
We operate under licence from the Greenpower Education Trust. It started 22 years ago in the UK and now has almost 2,000 participating teams in 10 countries.
We support teachers to offer a hands-on exercise. In a serious project, but with a playful angle. Competitive, but in complete safety. And connected to different aspects of the curriculum.
Working together on construction; team planning for competitions; fundraising to run the team - all this guarantees a rich, engaging experience. And a realistic introduction to a professional career.
By bringing potential talent and companies together around the Greenpower Challenge, we can:
The companies and organisations that support us share this conviction.
Greenpower is not just about technique. My positive experience of the contest, though mechanical and scientifically interesting, was shaped by the personal values the contest promotes and develops in all its participants.
Emily Marchant (English undergraduate and former student at Skipton High School)
As a non-profit organisation, Greenpower Benelux relies on considerable cooperation from companies, investors, individuals, ambassadors and volunteers, who contribute in time and/or resources. This is because we all believe in a common vision to inspire young people around STEM careers.
As a company, you can participate in the Greenpower Challenge in different ways:
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As a non-profit organisation, Greenpower Benelux relies on considerable cooperation from companies, investors, individuals, ambassadors and volunteers, who contribute in time and/or resources. This is because we all believe in a common vision to inspire young people around STEM careers.
As a company, you can participate in the Greenpower Challenge in different ways: