Company inspires young engineers and scientists

Fluor, a global engineering and construction company based in Sunninghill was part of this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.

In a statement, Fluor said the annual expo, which was held in October, is South Africa’s only science fair for youngsters and offers companies the opportunity to support these young minds and encourage them to get involved in science and engineering at an early age.

For many years this expo has offered a platform for children to demonstrate their innovation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Fluor has selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as an important area of investment as we are committed to supporting the development of young South Africans,” said Sifiso Pitso, manager of engineering at Fluor South Africa.

This year, more than 60 000 youngsters from different schools across the country submitted their science projects at the regional expo and demonstrated their research, design, entrepreneurship, innovation and inventiveness.

“The national finals was recently held at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg where more than 1 000 learners participated.”

The judging criteria was based on the participants’ scientific work and the effort that went into the project, as well as the initiative shown. In addition, the scientific method used by the participants, combined with the quality of their findings, were taken into consideration.

Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded at both the regional and national finals. A number of special awards also recognised exceptional projects and in addition selected youngsters were offered the opportunity to further participate in international science fairs.

“Fluor handed over three prizes of R7 000 each to deserving learners in the innovation, biology and chemistry, and non-renewable energy categories.”

The recipients were Albert Ottesen in Grade 9 at Bridge House College in Stellenbosch, Lauren Poole in Grade 10 at DSG School in Grahamstown and Shepherd Mhlongo in Grade 11 from Sitintile Secondary School in Nelspruit.

“Fluor strategically chose STEM as an area of investment in view of the shortage of engineers nationally and globally and the company believes that the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will encourage learners to follow a career in engineering that will guarantee us [South Africa] of a pool of engineers in the future,” concluded Pitso.

How is your company inspiring youngsters? Talk to us on our Facebook page.