Plastribution
The winning design
Representatives from plastics raw material distributor, Plastribution, went back to the classroom recently in order to give guidance and advice to students undertaking an Enterprise Challenge Event organised by Loughborough Univesity.
The challenge for the year 10 pupils (aged 14-15) at Ashby School in Leceistershire, was to create a new healthy drink brand for Loughborough Sport. The drink brand, positioned as a social enterprise, had to have an original brand name, logo and slogan and would be sold at Loughborough University initially, rolling out nationally if successful.
Pupils had just over 2 hours to complete the task. Thereafter they had to deliver a 5 minute presentation, based on how they would market and position their product for retail; they were also required to nominate a good cause as part of the task’s social enterprise requirement.
Plastribution staff took part on the whole process, culminating in a judging process from which the overall winning, second and third place teams were selected.
Plastribution’s Martin White said: “I am sure I speak for the whole Plastribution team, when I say I found the event to be a very positive experience. The imagination and standard of work from the pupils was truly impressive and they all behaved in a very friendly and courteous manner. It was nice to be able to have some constructive influence over their thinking process.”
Following the event, Aimee Littler, Head of Careers at Ashby School said: “Feedback from both the members of staff and pupils was that the day was very enjoyable and rewarding, and that Plastribution’s assistance in the day helped guide our pupils in the task.
“There is also a huge importance in pupils liaising with individuals from the ‘world of work’, otherwise many pupils will not experience this until they are sat in their first job interview – which is then a little daunting.
“The judging process took a little longer than anticipated, largely due to the brilliant business expertise of those involved, the quality of discussion and the depth in which the judges had gone to understand the pupils work. Support from local businesses in projects like this is invaluable.”
Further co-operation between both parties continues, with Ashby School design and technology staff visiting Plastribution’s offices in due course, to look at ways that awareness of polymers can be increased within the department’s educational programme.
The winning design is pictured (above).