Bournemouth and Poole College Engineering Students shine at IMechE National Finals
Three students from Bournemouth & Poole College represented the Wessex Region in the Foundation Class of the IMechE Design Challenge National Finals, held at the prestigious Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Headquarters in London.
Competing against some of the most experienced university teams from across the UK, the students performed very well, demonstrating impressive technical ability and creativity.
The team received a special mention from the Head Judge, recognising them as the first University Technical College team ever to reach the National Finals, a remarkable milestone for both the students and the College. Their achievement was also praised by Diogo from Bournemouth University, who commended their professionalism and innovative approach.
Diogo commented “Well done to Bournemouth & Poole College and the entire team! Reaching the National Final in just two years is no small feat — a fantastic achievement!”
The students managed every aspect of the competition themselves, from project design and testing to presentations, logistics, and document submissions. Their independence and attention to detail impressed both judges and fellow competitors.
Reflecting on the experience, the team said “It was a fantastic opportunity to test our design, learn from other teams, and celebrate innovative engineering. The venue at IMechE HQ was incredible and, we were proud to represent the only degree apprentice team at the finals.”
The IMechE National Finals brought together some of the best emerging engineering talent in the country, with awards presented across both the Foundation and Advanced Classes.
Congratulations to all participating teams for a fantastic event at One Birdcage Walk, and a special thanks to the steering committee and judges: Davide Migliorine, Dave Terry, David Ball, Matt Lister, Jack Mason, and Matt Garside.
The IMechE thanked all participating teams and academic leads for showcasing the future of engineering, noting that “the competition was fierce, and the talent was remarkable.” They also expressed gratitude to judges, academics, and teams for their collaboration and commitment throughout the event.
We are extremely proud of our students for their success at the IMechE Design Challenge National Finals. Their professionalism and dedication were outstanding throughout, and they represented Bournemouth & Poole College brilliantly. The future of engineering is clearly in safe hands.
