HUNDREDS youngsters from across Wiltshire are being inspired by the Bloodhound supersonic car project, after a full-scale model of the car touched down at Wiltshire College Trowbridge this week.

The £10m car, currently being developed in a workshop near Bristol, will attempt to break the current landspeed record of 763mph next year, before trying to break the 1,0000mph landmark.

A major impetus behind the ambitious project is to inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists, and to encourage more young people into the STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Bloodhound SSC education team has been visiting the Trowbridge campus throughout this week as part of National Science and Engineering Week to deliver a series of interactive displays, simulators, STEM workshops, talks and group learning sessions.

Wiltshire Council is funding the education experience through the Wiltshire Skills 4 Success programme in collaboration with Wiltshire College and the Bloodhound SSC team.

Fleur de Rhe Philipe, cabinet member for economic development and skills, said: “This is just the sort of event that can help to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, which the country greatly needs.

“For previous generations big events like the Apollo Moon landings and the development of Concorde proved to be the key inspiration for a career in engineering or science.

“I hope all the excitement of the Bloodhound supersonic car’s landspeed record attempt will not pass without leaving in its wake a real legacy of future experts in science and engineering.”

The Wiltshire Skills 4 Success programme has already supported more than 4,000 young people in Wiltshire with employability and skills development, as well as engaging with 600 businesses and 200 schools.

Among the events planned to take place this week was a Bloodhound STEM Fair, featuring interactive, life-sized models of the car, a real hybrid fuel test rocket and a Bloodhound driving simulator.

The team has also been hosting a Schools Education Experience for students from primary school up to the age of 24, featuring Bloodhound-inspired science experiments and table-top STEM activities.

Training sessions for teachers have also been organised to allow the Bloodhound learning experience to be rolled out into more classrooms across the county.