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Pupils to view unique land speed project

Jurby visit to promote engineering careers

Island school pupils are encouraged to think about careers in engineering today when they meet the team aiming to set a new land speed world record.

Parties from five secondary schools will visit the Isle of Man Motor Museum at Jurby - where a model of the Bloodhound land-speed car goes on public view at the weekend.

The actual vehicle aims to attempt a speed of 1,000 miles-per-hour next month, and contains specialist parts manufactured by an Isle of Man engineering firm.

As well as seeing the full-size replica at close quarters, the pupils will meet its pilot, Andy Green, and join in hands-on activities with the Bloodhound project team.

While Bloodhound will be the showstopper element of today's visit, the wider view is to promote careers in engineering and technology to today's students.

Representatives of Island firm, Swagelock, which was commissioned to make a component for the vehicle, will outline to students the skills needed to gain jobs in the sector.    

The Bloodhound project's visit is supported by the Steam Packet Company, Isle of Man Post Office, the Department of Economic Development, the education department and local industry.

Members of the public can visit the exhibition this Saturday (23 Sept) between 9am and 6pm. 

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