The event took place on the afternoon of Thursday 23 November, marking the mid-point construction phase of the brand new multi-million pound National Centre in Combustion and Aerothermal Technology (NCCAT).
Funded by UK Government, with support from Rolls-Royce and Loughborough University, NCCAT will act as the UK’s primary hub for research focusing on the development of future low emission aerospace combustion systems, with opportunities for wider exploitation beyond aerospace, such as energy.
The Centre will lead research excellence and technology deployment, and will not only provide access to state-of-the-art facilities and leading research expertise, but will act as a training ground for current and future aerospace engineers in a critical skill area for the UK.
For those pupils interested in a career in engineering, this was an exciting opportunity to engage in a high profile project, and to leave a legacy for future generations.
Emma Callaghan, UTC Business Manager at Loughborough University, said: “It has been a great opportunity to engage local school children with an interest in engineering on this project, whilst also providing an opportunity for them to learn about construction alongside our partners Henry Boot. We hope that this is the first of many community engagement projects undertaken under NCCAT”.
Given NCCAT’s primary research focus on the aerospace sector, items around this theme were placed in the capsule, as well as items that celebrate the successes of Loughborough University, De Lisle College and the town of Loughborough. Some of the items included photographs and newspaper clippings, school memorabilia provided by the school, through to engine hardware currently employed by research staff within the Rolls-Royce UTC at Loughborough University.
The ICE (Institution of Civil Engineering) Bailey Bridge project was also on campus, with Henry Boot staff helping the students complete the exciting challenge of constructing a bridge.
The time-capsule event will hopefully inspire the children to think about a future career in engineering. The students will be invited back to the site for a tour once construction is completed.
The time-capsule will be buried for 25 years, to be re-opened in 2042.