Inspiring the next generation of engineers

The University of Northampton partnered with Corby-based RS Components to give local schoolchildren the opportunity to learn more about the latest emerging technology and experience first-hand equipment used in the engineering industry today.

The event, Tomorrow’s Engineers, took place on Friday 25 November at RS Components’ headquarters, and was part of the ASPIRE programme, which aims to raise the aspirations and ambitions of young people within Northamptonshire. The day was attended by approximately 60 school pupils between the age of 14 and 16, who were given the opportunity to explore the different career paths in engineering.

The participants from Corby Business Academy and Lodge Park Academy took part in a variety of activities, including a tour of the RS Live Innovation in Motion truck which explores engineering and technology through highly interactive activities and Pi-Top workshops, which demonstrate how to build your own laptop. Two Engineering students from the University of Northampton, Julia Stoli and Abigail Ativie were also on hand to talk about their courses and the experiences they have so far encountered working in a male-dominated environment.

John Sinclair, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology at the University of Northampton, commented: “We are delighted to partner with RS Components for this event, which is enabling us to reach out to students from an early age, to help them understand how engineering can be an exciting career option. The University of Northampton is a lead partner of ASPIRE Northamptonshire, an aspirational initiative developed collaboratively between the key providers of Higher Education outreach support for schools and colleges across Northamptonshire.

“The Aspire Network aims to inspire every child aged between 11 and 16 in Northamptonshire to be the best they can be through delivering high quality resources, support, activities and information, and partners like RS Components help us achieve these objectives by acting as technology-enablers.”

James Howarth, Head of Product Management, Northern Europe, at RS Components, said: “Our aim is to bring engineering and technology to everyone, and to capture the interest of future engineers. We recognise how we can potentially influence the uptake of engineering to prevent a future skills gap in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) subjects, and RS Live serves as a highly engaging educational resource for young people across a cross section of age groups, from primary schoolchildren to university undergraduates.”

The event received good feedback from the teachers, including Gail  King, from Corby Business Academy, who said that some of her pupils had been disengaged in school, but the showed a huge interest in the day’s activities and will hopefully inspire them to think about a career in engineering.