King meets next generation of engineers during visit to industry hub
He chatted to Mintlaw Academy pupils who built their own remotely-operated underwater vehicle as he toured a facility in Aberdeenshire.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The King has met a group of budding young engineers with big ambitions on a visit to an underwater industry trade body’s offices.
Charles spoke to the youngsters as he surveyed an impressive scaled-down replica of a remotely-operated underwater vehicle they built during a tour of the Global Underwater Hub’s (GUH) buildings in Westhill, Aberdeenshire.
The Mintlaw Academy pupils previously entered a competition with their replica which was sponsored by the hub, seeking to inspire young people to take up roles in the underwater industry.
The school’s deputy principal Ali Hynd said the link-up aimed to bring examples of where knowledge of Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects can be applied in the real world into the classroom.
He said: “This project has given me the opportunity to bring industry into the classroom to make industry real, as well as getting some life-changing experiences for young people.
“Today without a doubt is one of those life-changing experiences, getting to meet His Majesty.”
Mr Hynd said some of the youngsters involved in the competition now have ambitions to become mechanical engineers and marine biologists off the back of their involvement in the project, while others are considering more specific roles.
“They’ve all got quite different ideas and that’s the good thing about this project,” he said.
Earlier during his visit, Charles got the chance to pilot an unmanned ship carrying a remote operating vehicle inspecting a wind farm off the coast of the Netherlands.
Staff had brought all the equipment needed to operate the ship to the offices in Westhill from elsewhere specially to demonstrate the technology to the King.
On the second floor of the building, Charles met and talked at length with GUH board members and several underwater technology companies demonstrating the latest in deep diving equipment, 3D underwater visualisations and marine science.
The King also unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit, and GUH chief executive Neil Gordon made a rallying speech to staff to keep up the good work.