About Emergency! Engineers Wanted!
It is not news that there is a shortage of engineers and the ambitious aim of this project EMERGENCY ENGINEERS WANTED! Was to enthuse primary pupils in engineering and to inspire them to have a career in engineering. There is a lot of evidence that it is with this age group that careers education must start, and the seeds of future careers planted.
Over 2,500 primary pupils engaged with the project either by visiting Techniquest to see a brand new engineering themed show or by taking part in the pen pal component of the project; 1,275 pupils from 29 schools were able to have a funded visit to Techniquest and 1320 pupils from 31 schools participated in the pen pal element.
Key outcomes
In respect of the school visits to Techniquest and seeing the engineering show or taking part in an engineering themed workshop in the KLA Lab over 85% rated enjoyment, engagement, relevance and increased careers awareness as “A lot” and the average mark for the visit out of 10 was 9.2. In respect of the pen pal element over 70% of teachers rated enjoyment, careers awareness and engagement rated the experience as a 4 or 5 out of 5.
The engineers awarded the project an averaged mark of 8.7 out of 10. 100% of engineers gave the project a 4 or above out of 5 for enjoyment of the project with over 70% agreeing that it had developed their STEM communication skills. Importantly, 80% of the engineers thought the project was an effective way to create awareness of careers in the engineering sector.
