Youngsters have designs on green energy

Youngsters have been finding out how having a head for business can go hand-in-hand with caring for the environment.

Manchester City Council has teamed up with Manchester City FC to run the GOAL (Goal Oriented Action Learning) Project, in which dozens of pupils have formed 'companies' to design an energy-generating water wheel in Holt Town on the River Medlock.

Pupils from Cedar Mount High, Melland High, Parklands High, Brookway High and Manchester Academy spent a fortnight receiving training from environmental and business experts.

This included environment officers from Manchester City Council, and experts from the projects' other partners - Manchester Metropolitan University, the Environment Agency and construction firms Laing O'Rourke and CIBITAS.

As well as learning about science and technology, they found out about modern business structures and developed communications skills. Each team nominated pupils to perform roles within the 'companies', ranging from press officer to chief executive, as they produced a feasibility study into building the water wheel.

They will be making their presentations before a panel of judges at MMU's John Dalton Faculty on Friday, March 7, when a winning company design will be announced, along with several individual achievement awards.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for the Environment, said: "This is an invaluable project in terms of boosting young people's confidence, and teaching them about how businesses have a responsibility to the environment."

Pete Bradshaw, Manager for Social Responsibility at Manchester City FC said: "The students involved gain experience in a wide range of work and life skills, recognising that the success of their project is dependant upon their inputs and commitment."

Media contact:

Conrad Astley, tel 0161 234 4027