Some inspirational schemes are encouraging young people to study science, maths, engineering and technology. Mark Williams of the Engineering Development Trust tells all.
In March 2010 a group of sixth formers scooped some tremendous prizes as they were named the top school engineering and technology team in Britain. The team, from Oakham School in Rutland, claimed their title at the Big Bang National Science and Engineering Awards held in Manchester, for work they had undertaken with the RAF and BAE Systems. The prizes included £2,000 and a trip to the CERN laboratory in Geneva – home of the famous Large Hadron Collider.
The Oakham team had conducted their work as part of the Engineering Education Scheme run by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT). This is an initiative to engage students in advanced science and engineering projects. The EDT has a whole range of programmes for schools, all designed to encourage young people to fulfil their potential through careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), targeting students between 11 and 21 and annually involving over 7,000 students. The trust tries to inspire and motivate young people into choosing a
STEM career by giving them real-life experience of industry, business and higher education. By building this awareness at an early stage, students can make informed choices about their career decisions at key stages of their education.
By linking students with companies and higher education establishments, EDT gives them role models and experience that they would not otherwise get. This allows them to see that the application, in ‘real world’ situations, of the key skills they are learning as part of their curriculum can guided by industrial mentors who are passionate about their STEM careers. The programmes can also benefit the teachers involved, giving them continuing professional development opportunities linked with awareness of industry. Teacher accreditation is available through the College of Teachers.
The core EDT programmes aimed at secondary school pupils include Go4SET and the Engineering Education Scheme (in England and Scotland). Both of these need students to commit time outside their normal studies – but they offer tremendous rewards in terms of learning, achievement and satisfaction.