‘Toolbox Challenge’ underway to find budding NZ engineers

Media release

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Inter-school ‘Toolbox Challenge’ underway to find budding NZ engineers

An inter-school competition is underway to find New Zealand’s engineers and furniture makers of the future.

The ‘Toolbox Challenge’ is a nationwide engineering and furniture competition created by industry training organisation Competenz and open to all schools that offer engineering or furniture subjects in years 11 to 13. Among the many entries of engineered widgets are furniture pieces including a stylish storage unit and a curved lid toolbox.

“The Challenge designed to build excitement around trade-based subjects and complements the national curriculum. It’s a fun way for students to work towards unit standards while gaining exposure to an industry-based challenge,” says Competenz Schools and Careers Manager, Joanne Verry.

The furniture part of the Challenge tasks students to design and build a piece of furniture that includes at least one curved component and a hidden storage compartment.

Many schools have entered the competition, including Blue Mountain College in West Otago, Waitakere College, Rangitoto College, Ngaruawahia High School, Auckland’s Macleans College, Massey High School and Taupo Nui-a-Tia College.

Finalists will be judged against other schools by industry professionals and representatives from Competenz and also a public vote. There are $10,000 worth of prizes to be won for students and schools including tools and equipment. The public vote closes this week, on 11 November, when the winners will also be announced.

To see the entries from your region, please visit www.toolboxchallenge.co.nz

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