• School/College/Business: One Sixth Form and Superstructures Engineering
• Topic: Engineering challenge
• Gatsby Benchmark(s): 2, 4 and 5
James Potter, owner and Managing Director of Superstructures
Engineering based in Ipswich, is passionate about bridging the gap
between education & business and therefore volunteers as an
Enterprise Adviser at One Sixth Form. James and colleague Liam
Swann, whom he hired after mentoring Liam at the Sixth Form,
recently supported an engineering workshop with a group of students.
Students studying on a BTEC level three engineering pathway were challenged to build a bridge
capable of holding a half kilo weight in 75 minutes using basic materials. The idea was to bring to life
the creativity, teamwork and problem solving that’s required by individuals who want to work as
structural engineers in the future.
James said, “We have a big skills shortage in engineering and construction locally, so we wanted to
bring a slice of the real world to One to show learners the depth of career opportunities that are
available.
“I love my job and find it incredibly satisfying. Every day is a school day and you are constantly
learning. I wanted to try and bring that enthusiasm to One and the students really enjoyed
participating in the bridge building session.”
