ENGINEERING learner Reuben Whitehead has been turning heads with his mechanical talents when he recently designed and built his very own battery powered go-kart.

Reuben, who is a passionate Formula One fan, works part-time at West Wales Karting and decided to rebuild the kart earlier this year after they kindly donated a pre-existing kart to him.

The process involved stripping the kart down to a bare chassis and then refurbishing it. This was followed by implementing the electrical aspect of the kart and fabricating mounts for both the batteries and motor made from carbon fibre and steel.

The key components and materials used were steel for the chassis, aluminium for the rims, and an inclusion of carbon fibre for both the motor mounts and battery.

The motor produces 2.5hp and has an efficiency rate of 90% when in operation. The torque produced is 8.4-foot pounds when in operation and the motor revs 1500RPM.

Reuben explained the purpose of his project, “I built the Go-Kart because I am passionate about motorsport and enjoy karting both in local competitions and with friends so for me the opportunity to build an electric kart was exciting and something that would require me to use my skills that I have developed throughout my time at the College. I also built the project as I knew it was something that I would enjoy undertaking and be able to learn new skills along the way. Being able to get hands on with a kart and understand both the fundamentals and intricate aspects was important for my development as an aspiring motorsport engineer, hopefully one day with Formula One.”

Reuben took his first test drive in the car earlier this month using the track based up at West Wales Karting.

Reuben also discussed what inspires him to achieve his dream career.

Reuben explained, “The individuals who inspire me are my mum, for how brave and courageous she is, for always believing in me and supporting me. My late stepdad, he never gave up even at the toughest of times and always kept fighting even when the odds were against him as well as teaching me that if you work hard enough anything is achievable. Finally, Lewis Hamilton for showing that again with hard work you can achieve anything and that no dream/goal is too big, also the way in which he conducts himself after tough losses on the racetrack.”

An articulate learner, Reuben spends a large amount of time in the machine workshop whilst studying at the College where he has developed skills in working with lathes and milling machines, hand fitting tool techniques as well as CAD and precision measurement practices which has aided his knowledge into the world of car design and engineering.  

Aside from Reuben’s College studies, he has self-taught himself many transferable skills.

Reuben said, “I can’t take all the credit, having been fortunate enough to have experience of refurbishing classic cars with my stepdad growing up, as well as being able to build rally cars when on work experience whilst studying in my first year of College, this has certainly helped me learn and build a skillset that can be applied in numerous engineering environments. Spending time in the workshop and learning from tutors who have real industry experience has helped me.”

Curriculum Area Manager for Engineering Will Bateman, expressed how proud the department is of Reuben, “Reuben has worked at a consistently excellent standard throughout the two-year programme. We are incredibly proud of his final project, that has showcased his skills and learning from the course. Reuben is a true engineering ambassador having spoken to numerous 14–16-year-old groups on choices post-compulsory education.”

Reuben plans on becoming a Motorsport Engineer in Formula One after his studies and this project has fuelled his motivation to show potential employers just how talented he is.

To find out more about the Engineering courses available at the College please visit: www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk/courses/mechanical-engineering-3/

SCHOOL children from across Pembrokeshire have been invited to a barbecue by Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society on the County Showground in Haverfordwest next month to learn how local food is produced.

During the event, which will be suitable for year five pupils upwards, there will be arable, dairy, beef and sheep farmers from all over the county on hand to demonstrate and explain the journey of the different crops, milk, eggs and meat produced in Pembrokeshire. There will also be an opportunity to learn about land-based careers and those within the food and drink industry.

The event, sponsored by Meat Promotion Wales/Hybu Cig Cymru and Castell Howell, will take place on Monday and Tuesday, 19 & 20 June 2023 on the Pembrokeshire County Showground. There will be machinery and animals at the event with farmers to explain what skills are required to produce food and care for the countryside.

Kathy Wilson, a former teacher and now an Honorary Pembrokeshire Show Governor, is organising the event on behalf of the Society’s Food Story / Stori Bwyd. Kathy said, “One of the important elements of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s work is educational and spreading the word around the county about how local food is produced. The response was extremely positive to our first Food Story event last October which had a harvest theme. We hope local school children will learn a lot about where their food comes from when they attend this barbecue themed event next month. We are very grateful to all the farmers and supporters who are volunteering their time to make this event happen. Please could we ask local schools to book their places as soon as possible.”

During the event, which organisers anticipate over 1,000 children will attend at allotted times, there will also be an opportunity to meet businesses from the local area, learn about health and well-being as well as how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are used to produce food locally. The event will also touch on how the weather and climate can affect the work farmers do and how the crops grow. Children will also get an opportunity to cook and taste something with local ingredients.

If any schools in the county have not yet applied to attend they need to complete the booking form which is available on the Pembrokeshire Show website: www.pembsshow.org or click here: Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society The Food Story The Barbecue (office.com) any queries please email: foodstory@pembsshow.org

PUPILS from various schools within the Milford Haven School cluster recently came together to present a generous donation of £614 to the local charity Sandy Bears.

The funds were raised through the Welsh Cluster Concert, a collaborative effort that showcased the talents of students from multiple schools.

The concert, held at a full hall brimming with family and friends, featured 130 pupils from Ysgol y Glannau (Coastlands), Ysgol St Francis, Ysgol Johnston, Ysgol Gelliswick, Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Aberdaugleddau (MHCPS), and Ysgol Aberdaugleddau (MHS). The young performers captivated the audience with a delightful blend of song and poetry recitations, demonstrating their artistic abilities and dedication.

The event not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also served as a means to support a worthy cause within the community. Sandy Bears, the recipient of the £614 donation, is a local charity that provides essential support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.

The funds raised will contribute to the charity’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of those in need.

The collaboration between schools in the Milford Haven School cluster highlights the power of unity and collective action. By joining forces, the students and staff from different schools demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact beyond their individual campuses.

The Welsh Cluster Concert served as a testament to the talent, dedication, and generosity of the students involved. Their efforts not only entertained the audience but also showcased the strong sense of community spirit that thrives within the Milford Haven School cluster.

The cheque presentation to Sandy Bears symbolizes the culmination of their collective efforts and the tangible support they provide to a local charity. It is a reminder of the importance of nurturing empathy and compassion among young minds, who are the future leaders and change-makers of society.

Milford Haven School and the participating schools within the cluster are proud of the students’ achievements and extend their gratitude to all those who supported the Welsh Cluster Concert and contributed to the charitable cause.

For more information about Milford Haven School and the collaborative efforts of the schools within the cluster, please contact the school at 01646 690021 or visit their website at www.milfordhavenschool.co.uk.