BINDT supports Lavender International in inspiring STEM initiative at JCB Academy
24/09/2025
BINDT was delighted to support Lavender International in a recent science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative at the JCB Academy in Rocester, an academy focused on engineering and business, educating students from Year 9 to Sixth Form.
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| JCB Academy students enjoyed the hands-on sessions |
The nine-week initiative began in April with an assembly for the entire Year 10 cohort, where Sam Cunningham, Group Sales Manager at Lavender International and Vice President of BINDT, introduced the challenge. Rebecca Mulholland, BINDT’s Outreach Coordinator, followed with an overview of the Institute and its work in non-destructive testing (NDT).
The challenge was designed to complement the students’ curriculum, particularly in areas such as quality control and quality assurance. It aimed to give them a deeper understanding of NDT and its real-world applications within industry.
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| Roy Thiis provided students with a practical demonstration of ultrasonic testing |
In May, Lavender International staff, Sam Cunningham and Louie Ashmore, alongside BINDT STEM volunteer Roy Thiis, visited the academy to deliver practical, hands-on sessions in ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant testing and magnetic particle testing. Teachers reported that the students thoroughly enjoyed these sessions, appreciating the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge practically.
The students were then tasked with designing and manufacturing a go/no-go gauge to perform quality control on spacer parts and callipers. Utilising computer-aided design (CAD) software and laser cutters, they created their designs on acrylic. Following a class-level competition, where each group tested a batch of spacers and callipers using their gauges, approximately eight groups advanced to the final round.
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| The challenge gave students an understanding of NDT, particularly in areas of quality control and assurance |
The final was judged by Sam and Jemma Bevis from Lavender International, alongside Rebecca. Students completed a timed, marked quality control test using their gauges, followed by team presentations outlining their work, learning experiences and insights into quality assurance and NDT.
Rebecca said: “It was fantastic to return for the judging session and hear the students speak so confidently about NDT, the methods used and their applications. All of the students did a fantastic job.”
The winners and runners-up were presented with goodie bags from Lavender International and BINDT, along with certificates of participation. This collaboration not only enriched the students’ science, technology, engineering and mathematics education but also inspired the next generation of engineers and quality assurance professionals.
