Inspiring Tomorrow’s Engineers
December 20, 2016
Students design a load-bearing bracket with support from Roger Anderton, director, Reece Group and Oliver Robson, Apprentice Laser Operator, Responsive Engineering
Engineering was brought to life for students when they spent the day inside the Armstrong Works.
Organised by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), the three-day Routes into STEM programme aims to shine a light on to the wide range of rewarding careers that studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) can lead to.
Following sessions on apprenticeships at TyneMet College and graduate courses at Northumbria University, the Y10 pupils spent their final day seeing engineering in action at Reece Group.
As well as taking a tour of the facilities they were set their own design and make challenge. They also had the chance to put their own questions to staff from Reece Group companies and find out about both graduate and apprentice routes into the industry.
Steve Ross, co-ordinator for the Routes into STEM project for the EDT, said: “By investing their time in young people now, companies like Reece Group are helping to create that skilled workforce of the future that the North East and the UK desperately needs.”
Reece Group Chairman, John Reece, said: “Both Reece Group and the Reece Foundation are committed to inspiring the next generation of North East engineers.
We encourage our employees to work with schools and young people to explain what we do because we’re passionate about our industry, the region we live and are genuinely excited to share the opportunities a career in engineering can offer.”
Y10 students from the EDT Routes into STEM programme with Gabriel Thompson, design engineer, Pearson Engineering
Students said:
“It was truly fantastic to see all of the machines in operation.”
“Talking with the employees about their experiences was valuable.”
“It was great to talk to the employees and learn about the real advantages and disadvantages of the routes they had taken through education.”
“It was interesting to hear how satisfying it is being part of a community and contributing locally, being part of the bigger picture.”