"Simply the most engaging, impactful & exciting extra-curricular programme I've ever been part of, we couldn't recommend it more"

T. Osborne, Assistant Headteacher, Ferndown Upper School

Ready to inspire engineers of the future?

Let us help you become FIRST®

We're here to support other schools

Engineer Future Innovators

Our mission at fernDOWNLOAD is to get as many young people involved in engineering, computing and technology as possible. Technology is going to help us solve future problems from a local to a global level. We must inspire them to engage with and take on these challenges to ensure a better future for all.

Our computer science GCSE cohort went from 4 to 40% female in one year thanks to FIRST TECH CHALLENGE

The latest FTC season: ULTIMATE GOAL has been designed with COVID19 in mind, VIRTUAL support and REMOTE competition can ensure members can still take part SAFELY in an environment that still ensures full participation!

Why join FIRST® TECH CHALLENGE?

INSPIRE

Engage and inspire the next generation of engineers.

EDUCATE

Coding, project management, marketing, mechanical and electrical engineering

SKILLS

Develop confidence, team-work, resilience and technical skills in young people.

JUST £49

Equipment, online resources and local support to make any team a success for just £49

FUN

Building robots, teams and helping the wider community.

COMMUNITY

Join the world's largest STEM organisation for young people with support at every level.

We're here to get you started

Help, Support, Guidance for you and your students

Starting a FIRST® TECH CHALLENGE team is easier than you think and there are HUGE bursaries for rookie teams to get more young people to take part. fernDOWNLOAD offers free support and guidance to any schools in our region. Whether it's securing a mentor, linking with industry or getting your robots working; our staff and students are here to help.

The FIRST® programme is about being #morethanrobots and we can help you develop your students to being confident, skilled and engaged engineers.

FIRST® Alumni students are respected worldwide for the skills and experiences they bring to university and industry

More than just a club

After engaging with the FIRST® programme you'll come to find the worldwide FIRST® community greet you with open (robotic) arms. The values of FIRST® helps drive a culture of positive but supportive competition and the development of life & technical skills.

If you have computing or technology staff willing to give a few hours a week to a enhance the experiences of 12-18 year olds then FIRST® TECH CHALLENGE is for you.

This season students will be #GameChangers in the new FTC Game: ULTIMATE GOAL sponsored by Qualcom

Getting started with FIRST® TECH CHALLENGE

We're here to help you every step of the way!

LINK UP

READ UP

Check out the FIRST UK Website for detailed info and how to register

SIGN UP

Once you're ready to register click the link HERE and fill in your details!