AN Uckfield firm is playing its part in supporting the next generation of engineers by supplying parts to a team of Sussex students taking part in the Greenpower race series.

The scheme gives young people the opportunity to design, build and race an electric-powered racing car.

The single-seater vehicle is being constructed by a team of 16-19 year-olds at the Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) as part of the scheme organised by the Greenpower Education Trust, a registered charity which promotes sustainable engineering to young people.

The BHASVIC students are being mentored by Phil Edwards of Uckfield-based Weald Technology.

Weald is an innovator in electric vehicle technology for commercial projects, sustainable transport, and STEM education.

The firm has a long-standing relationship with TR Fastenings which provides components for its electric-powered motorcycles.

The first part of the project is a course which introduces them to using computer-aided design software.

They will then hand-build the vehicle with materials and components donated by companies such as TR, which is supplying fastener parts for the car.

The project - which runs out of school hours – also teaches students about sponsorship, marketing and teamwork as well as the engineering and design skills involved in building the car.

The BHASVIC car will take part in the most senior of Greenpower’s three competition categories, IET Formula 24+, for 16-25 year-olds.

The key rule is that cars must be propelled by a 24-volt DC electric motor powered by two sealed 12-volt batteries provided by Greenpower.

Greenpower also runs IET Formula 24 for 11-16 year-olds and IET Formula Goblin for 9-11 year-olds.

Geoff Budd, TR Europe MD, said: “Anything that encourages young people to learn about and participate in engineering and manufacturing is to be applauded. “