Sixth form students in the UK will explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can build a more sustainable world, as Enzen’s award-winning community partnership returns for its fifth consecutive year.
Launched as part of the UK's National Apprenticeships Week, Enzen’s Mission: Sustainability programme will for the first time be exclusively tailored for post-16 students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Our education partner this year is the WMG Academy for Young Engineers. The organisation has two campuses in Solihull and Coventry, both focused on developing careers-led education for 15-18 year olds, driven by the professional ethos and culture that is in high demand in today’s businesses and industry.
Through a hackathon-style challenge themed ‘How can AI be used to create a more sustainable world?’, we’ll be asking students to demonstrate imagination, knowledge and teamwork to develop creative solutions which show how new digital technology can help accelerate the drive to net zero.
Learning from the experts
As well as supplying teachers and students with industry insights and learning resources about AI, Enzen experts will be visiting the school in March to provide hands-on mentoring, insightful coaching and constructive feedback on the student’s ideas.
The programme will culminate in a special awards presentation screened on YouTube in April, where the winners of the challenge are announced and every student's talent, innovation and creativity is celebrated.
Mohamed Syedian, Chief Operating Officer of Enzen UK, said: “AI is set to transform how business, industry and society operates, so it’s essential we show young people how they can apply this new technology responsibly, creatively and for the wellbeing of our planet.
“Mission: Sustainability is an excellent opportunity for West Midlands students to learn from our experts and develop valuable skills and knowledge that will prepare them for the working world. We’re delighted to be partnering with the WMG Academy Trust in this year’s programme and look forward to seeing the ideas of the next generation of talent.”
A unique insight
Andrew Kyprianou, Director of Engineering at the WMG Academy Trust, said: “Both Coventry and Solihull academies work closely with a wide range of engineering businesses in the West Midlands. The Mission: Sustainability project with Enzen will enrich and enhance our students' learning within their curriculum.
"It is company-led projects like this that prepare our students for their early career pathways, allowing them to explore problems Enzen is having to solve every day. The students will develop skills like collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, creativity and communication.
"The students will also gain a unique insight into how technology is applied in energy and water management, and they will learn how AI is being used to shape the future of this industry sector. I cannot wait to get started on the challenge with the students!"
Mission: Sustainability was launched in 2020 to inspire future generations to pursue STEM careers. Targeted at students in the West Midlands where Enzen was founded in 2006, the programme shows young people how their creativity and collaboration can make a real difference to our planet.
In 2022, Mission: Sustainability won the Social Impact category at the Energy Innovation Awards and the Sustainability category at the Education Awards.
You can watch the online awards ceremony for our 2023 programme, themed on Digital Reality, here.