More than 400 pupils and teachers from across Bristol and the South West took part in engineering and technology activities this week as part of Babcock’s national Festival of Engineering.
The two-day event, held in Bristol to coincide with World Engineering Day on 4 March, forms part of a wider series of events also taking place in Rosyth and Plymouth aimed at encouraging young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Students participated in a range of hands-on challenges and demonstrations, including robotics, virtual reality welding, coding exercises and a boat buoyancy challenge. Activity zones allowed pupils to explore engineering concepts through practical tasks, while a flight simulation experience was also provided.
The event was supported by Babcock apprentices and graduates and organised in collaboration with regional industry partners and schools to highlight the breadth of careers available across engineering and technology sectors.
Neil Young, Babcock’s Global Engineering Capability Director, said the initiative is designed to help address a growing shortage of engineers.
“The industry is facing a significant shortage of engineers, which is why events like this are so important,” he said. “This event is about breaking down barriers and showing how the incredible world of engineering impacts and improves all of our lives.”
Young added that engaging pupils with practical challenges could help spark longer-term interest in STEM subjects.
“Hopefully by encouraging pupils with fun and interesting challenges, they will consider choosing STEM-based subjects as they journey through their education. The Babcock Festival of Engineering is the perfect way to spark that interest.”
The event also featured guest speakers including Jo Passingham, Chief Executive of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and Bristol Bears women’s rugby player Ella Lovibond, who holds a first-class degree in engineering.
Passingham said introducing engineering to young people early in their education is essential to building the future workforce.
“It’s a privilege to be working with Babcock to raise awareness of the importance of engineering at the grassroots level,” she said. “Engineers are creators and some of the world’s most important and iconic achievements exist because of them.”
Babcock said the Festival of Engineering is part of its wider “foundations to future” approach, which focuses on engaging students from primary school through to university level to help address long-term skills shortages.
It is understood that employment across sectors including defence, digital technology, clean energy and construction is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with engineering roles already accounting for around one in four job adverts in the UK.
Is that TorpedoJ there ? 🤔😁😁😁
Wish I was young again, so many great opportunities In an exciting Industry.