BMet students win “Hackathon” tech challenge to highlight current youth issues
BMet students have proved that they have the winning formula for creating technical solutions to tackle environmental, societal and governance (ESG) focused issues in a “Hackathon” event.
The innovative event was held at The Mailbox this week in collaboration with leading technology company One Advanced , as part of Birmingham Tech Week. Learners from James Watt, Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield Colleges, joined students across the region to take part in competitive digital activities.
The winning group, “BMet Group 1”, from BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College beat off stiff competition against students from Halesowen, Joseph Chamberlain and Walsall Colleges.
The forward-thinking event was specially designed to provide opportunities to inspire innovation in learners, help them develop and apply skills in AI, improve team-working abilities and boost CVs.
BMet teams studying business, construction, engineering and IT, thrived in the series of challenges linked to ESG and had to present their ideas for a related APP to a panel.
Here is what some of the students had to say about their participation in the Hackathon:
Emmanuella, Engineering T Level student at James Watt College: “The whole experience was really good. I had the opportunity to learn many skills, like achieving effective teamwork. I enjoyed delivering our presentation with my group, which focused on developing an App called “Go Recycle Go”, which helps to remind people how to keep on top of recycling. It was also nice to be able to interact with other students across BMet and with employees at One Advanced.”
Abdirizak, Creative Computing and Cyber student at Matthew Boulton College: “I really enjoyed the Hackathon, it was so exciting and interesting to be part of! I felt proud to be able to present an App highlighting how we can reduce carbon footprints in the world and being the Product Designer on a product I was really passionate about, made the experience even more positive. I also thought it was good to network with both students and One Advanced staff.”
Jonathan, Computing Student at Student Coldfield College: “It was a really interesting event and an experience that I have never experienced before! I learned how to develop a product and to create an App to enable universal healthcare globally. The App enables medical professionals around the world to access patient medical records and administer treatment accordingly. The event gave me a real insight into the world of work in connection with the digital arena. Being part of the winning group was “the icing on the cake!”
The Hackathon is a key activity in the BMet Sponsored Birmingham Tech Week. As part of the busy week, BMet students will also be getting involved in a variety of main and fringe events across the city.
Other key opportunities for BMet’s learners include:
- Being part of a busy PR office, with award winning PR Agency EAST VILLAGE.
- A creative workshop at Hits Radio Birmingham studio’s Bauer Media Group, to work on a campaign to raise awareness of and reduce crimes.
- An AI workshop at IBM
Violet Williams, Work Experience Manager at BMet said: “I am pleased that the Hackathon, which is a sought-after event during Birmingham Tech Week, was a resounding success again and resulted in a win for our students.
“The theme this year was Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), which is a topic that is gaining significant focus and importance across both educational curriculum delivery and business activities.
“This subject has sparked engaging discussions and conversations among students, enhancing their awareness and encouraging them to think about how they can contribute to the overall ESG ethos.”
To celebrate the achievement, BMet’s winning team have also been invited to a Black-Tie Dinner and Dance taking place on Friday 25th October.
BMet continues to place huge significance and value on STEM subjects, for the benefit of students and the college as a whole. This includes partnerships with key likeminded organisations around the region and beyond.
You can find out more details about BMet’s employer partnerships on the college’s website.